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HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 




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THE 



HISTORY 



GUILFORD, 



CONNECTICUT, 



ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT IN 1639. 



FROM THE MANUSCRIPTS 



Hon. RALPH D. SMITH 




ALBANY, N. Y. : 

J. MUNSELL, PRINTER 

1877. 



TO 
/ 



AMOS SEWARD, 

THIS HISTORY OF HIS NATIVE TOWN 

IS 

3£lesiiectfull2 JBetticatcB. 



PREFACE. 



A, 



MONG the manuscripts left by the late Ralph D. 
Smith Esq., who had devoted his leisure hours during 
the last forty years of his life to the study of histori- 
cal and genealogical subjects, was found an outline 
sketch of the history of Guilford, written some thirty 
years ago and doubtless laid aside with the hope of 
resuming his labors upon it when more abundant 
materials should have been collected for the purpose. 
The history of the early settlers of the town was a 
favorite subject of study. Although not a native, he 
showed an attachment to it fully equal to that ever 
shown by any one to the place of his birth. He was 
thoroughly acquainted with its records and keenly 
alive to everything that would add to its reputation. 
Had this historical sketch been filled up and completed 
by his own hands, it would have undoubtedly compared 
favorably, in accuracy and completeness, with the his- 
tory of any town heretofore written. Still it seemed 
proper to save what he had prepared, even in its in- 
complete form, as something of great value to the 
student of local history, and as a foundation upon 
which future laborers might build a more complete 
and exhaustive history. 



O PREFACE. 

There is something exceedingly attractive in the 
history of this town and its good people, singularly 
reminding one of what Halleck, the Guilford poet, 
says in his poem Connecticut : 

" View them near 

At home, where all their worth and pride is placed ; 
And there their hospitable fires burn clear. 

And there the lowliest farm-house hearth is graced 
With manly hearts, in piety sincere. 

Faithful in love, in honor stern and chaste, 
In friendship warm and true, in danger brave, 

Beloved in life, and sainted in the grave." 

The editor has been assisted in the preparation of 
the manuscript for the press by Dr. Alvan Talcott, 
and is indebted also to Rev. Lorenzo T. Bennett, 
D.D., Rev. Geo. W. Banks, Hon. Edward R. Lan- 
don, and others, for occasional assistance, to all of 
whom he begs leave to make due acknowledgments 
for the same. 

L. H. S. 

Guilford^ July i, 1877. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



T, 



HE original town of Guilford, including the present towns 
of Guilford and Madison, stretched along the shore of Long 
Island sound from Branford to Killingworth, a distance on a 
straight line of perhaps nine or ten miles. June i6th, 1671,' a 
committee found the length of the town from south to north 
to be ten miles, measuring from the point of rocks at the south- 
west of Guilford harbor ; but, as this point is north of many 
other points on the sound, the mean length of the town may 
be considered as eleven miles. The breadth diminished grad- 
ually, although irregularly, northwards until it became only 
about four miles and five-eighths of a mile. The mean breadth 
may be nearly seven miles. The western boundary, separating 
the town from Branford, was a straight line from the mouth of 
Stony creek to the centre of Pistapaug pond, where in a single 
monument was the corner boundary of the four towns of Guil- 
ford, Branford, Wallingford and Durham. This pond is a 
mile long from south to north, and a half a mile wide. The 
northern boundary, separating the town from Durham, ran a 
little north of east from the centre of this pond to the western 
branch of Hammonassett river. The above mentioned com- 
mittee found the distance from the eastern side of the pond to 
this branch to be four miles, three furlongs and four rods, but 
as the boundary commenced in the centre of the pond the whole 
distance must be greater. The eastern boundary passed down 
the middle of this branch to the Hammonassett, thence down 



Guilford Records, vol. i, page 50. 



8 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

the middle of the river to Dudley's creek, whence it ran 216 
rods, 50° 10' east, to West rock so called on the sound. 
This boundary separated the town from Killingworth. Ori- 
ginally it followed the Hammonassett to its entrance into Kil- 
lingworth harbor, and one half of the harbor was considered as 
belonging to Guilford ; but the legislature of the state, at an 
adjourned session in December, 1790, changed the line from 
Dudley's creek to West rock, throwing the whole of the harbor 
and a tract of land east of this new part of the line into Killing- 
worth. It was provided, however, that this should not prevent 
the town of Guilford from regulating the fisheries of oysters and 
clams as fully as though this alteration had not been made. 

Before the division of the town in 1826, Guilford embraced 
four located congregational societies, viz : Guilford First Society 
and the society now called North Guilford ; and East Guilford 
and North Bristol, now Madison and North Madison. Besides 
tlietwo societies last mentioned the new townof Madison includes 
a narrow strip of land previously a part of Guilford First Society, 
running northward about two miles from the sound. The 
divisional line between the two towns, begins at the centre of 
Munger's island on the margin of the sound ; thence in a right 
line to the extreme point of land between the East and Neck 
rivers ; thence to the channel of the East river ; thence follow- 
ing the channel of the East river as far north as the abutment 
of Chittenden's landing ; thence easterly to the northeast 
corner of said wharf; thence northeasterly in a right line to 
the parish line a little south of David Dudley's dwelling house, 
where the centre of the road intersects said parish line ; thence 
on the parish lines of East Guilford and North Bristol, to the 
north line of Guilford. The whole original town, like others in 
the vicinity and country, was originally inhabited by Indians, 
who called it, or at least the western part of it, Menunkatuck. 
They were numerous on the great plains south of Guilford 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 9 

borough, as appears from the vast masses of shells which they 
brought upon it and which are mouldering to this day ; and 
considerably numerous in other parts of the town as the har- 
bors and shores of the sound furnished them with great ad- 
vantages for fishing, and the woods back for hunting. 

That part of the town which lies between Ruttawoo (East 
river) and Agicomook (Stony creek), constituting nearly all 
the present town of Guilford, was purchased of the sachem- 
squaw of Menunkatuck (Shaumpishuh), the Indian inhabitants 
consenting, Sept. 29, 1639, by Henry Whitfield, Robt. Kitchel, 
William Leete, William Chittenden, John Bishop, and John 
CafEnge, in behalf of themselves and others, who (except the 
said John Caffinge perhaps) had come out to New Haven the 
same year, and who were now resolved to make a settlement at 
this place. At the time of the purchase it was understood and 
agreed that the deed should remain in the hands of the planters, 
until a church should be formed in the town, to whom it should 
be given and under whose superintendence the lands should be 
divided out to those who were interested in them. The 
articles given for this tract were, twelve coats, twelve fathoms 
of wampum, twelve glasses, twelve pair of shoes, twelve hatchets, 
twelve pairs of stockings, twelve hoes, four kettles, twelve 
knives, twelve hats, twelve porringers, twelve spoons, two 
English coats. The Indians agreed to remove, and it was gene- 
rally understood that they did remove to Branford and East 
Haven. An article, however, in the Guilford records suggests 
that a number of them were permitted to remain for a time at 
Ruttawoo. The English settlement commenced immediately 
after this purchase on the grounds now included in Guilford 
borough, the plain and some lands near the sound having been 
cleared by the natives and prepared for cultivation. 

The planters had not been long in the town before Mr. 
Whitfield particularly, who had their prosperity greatly at heart, 
2 



lO HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

undertook to extend their territory eastwards, and on the 20th 
of September, 1 641, he obtained of Weekwosh of Pashquishook 
[ ] a tract of land called the Neck, extending 

along on the sound, as it was then described, from East river to 
Tuckshishoag or Tuxis pond, for the consideration of " a frieze 
coat or blanket, an Indian coat, one faddom Dutchman's coat, 
a shirt, a pair of shoes and a faddom of wampum." 

The right of Weekwosh to this land, however, appears to 
have been soon doubted, for on the 17th of Dec. following, 
Mr. Whitfield, Robt. Kitchel, William Chittenden, William 
J/cete, John Bishop, John Caffinge, John Jordan, and the rest 
of the English planters of Menunkatuck made a purchase of 
Uncas, sachem of the Mohegans, which covered this land and 
extended northward through the township. In the deed of 
conveyance Uncas declared himself to be the sole owner of all 
these lands, denied utterly the claim of Weekwosh and all others, 
and accompanied his declaration with such circumstances and 
testimony as left little doubt that the right of sale was in his line. 
The consideration paid to Uncas was four coats, two kettles, 
four fathoms of wampum, four hatchets and three hoes. 

Mr. Whitfield was desirous of extending the township still 
further eastward and accordingly made repeated applications to 
his friend Mr. George Fenwick of Saybrook, to convey to the 
town the tract lying between Tuxis pond and Hammonassett 
river, which Mr. Fenwick had previously bought of Uncas. In 
a letter dated Oct. 22d, 1645, Mr. Fenwick gave the tract to 
Guilford on condition that the planters would accommodate Mr. 
Whitfield with land to his content, and he was authorized to 
hold the land until the conditions should be fulfilled. The 
town accordingly made several allotments of land to Mr. Whit- 
field, which he accepted, and on the 20th of August, 1650, he 
gave to the town a deed of all the right, title and interest which 
he had in the lands given by Mr. Fenwick, for the considera- 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. II 

tion of £20 paid in wheat, which must be considered an addi- 
tion to the allotments. On the ?.oth of September following 
he also gave to the town all his right (whatever it was) to the 
Neck, obtained first from Weekwosh, as the town had paid the 
consideration. 

Uncas probably claimed the two tracts just mentioned in virtue 
of the conquest of the Pequots in which he assisted. They had 
possessed either in their own persons or by their tributaries a 
territory of very considerable extent. Concerning the Indians 
who dwelt upon this nothing certain is known. A stone with 
a human head and neck roughly carved, now lying in a fence 
half a mile northeast of Madison meeting-house, is supposed to 
have been used by them as an Idol. Nothing is also certainly 
known as to what became of them after the purchase of their 
grounds. They may have joined their brethren, the Menunka- 
tuck Indians at Branford and East Haven, or the Hammonassett 
Indians at Killingworth, the remnants of whom remained in that 
town until 1739 or 1740. The latter supposition is the most 
probable as they appear to have been the most numerous about 
Hammonassett river, where they had cleared a large field which 
was easily cultivated and very productive. Indian bones have 
been found near the river and also on the Neck. 

The first settlers of this town were adventurers from Surry 
and Kent near London, and, unlike their mercantile brethren 
who peopled New Haven, were mostly farmers.' They had 



' Their first recorded act as a separate community was tlie Covenant, wliich iliey 
signed on ship-board, while on the passage, which was as follows : 

Covenant. 
We, whose names are hereunder written, intending by God's gracious permission 
to plant ourselves in New England, and, if it may be, in the southerly part, about 
^uinnipiack : We do faithfully promise each to each, for ourselves and families, and 
those that belong to us ; that we will, the Lord assisting us, sit down and join our- 
selves together in one intire plantation ; and to be helpful each to the other in every 
common work, according to every man's ability and as need shall require ; and we 



12 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

not a merchant among them and scarcely a mechanic ; and it 
was at great trouble and expense that they procured even a 
blacksmith on their Plantation. They took much pains to find 
land like that from which they had removed. At first they 
thought of Milford, but finally fixed upon Guilford, because 
they found it, particularly about the town plat where they first 
settled, low, flat and moist land agreeable to their wishes. They 
called the town Guilford in remembrance of Guildford a 
borough-town, the capital of Surry, where many of them had 
lived. 

About forty planters came into the town in 1639, whose 
names in consequence of a defect in the records cannot be given 
with entire certainty. There were forty-eight in 1650, among 
which are doubtless included the original forty. Their names 
and the date of their admission as freemen are as follows : 

Henry Whitfield, 

"Jno. Hlgginson. 

George Hubbard. 

Mr. Sam'/ Disborow^ May 22, 1648. 

Mr. Rob't Kltchell, '' . '' 

Mr. Wm. Chittenden, " " 



promise not to desert or leave cacli other or the plantation, but witli tlie consent ot" 
the rest, or the greater part of the company wlio have enteied into this engagement. 

As for our gathering together in a church way, and the choice of officers and 
members to be joined together in that way, we do refer ourselves until such time as 
it shall please God to settle us in our plantation. 

In witness whereof we subscribe our hands, the first day of June, 1639. 
Robert Kitchell, John Stone, Thomas Norton, 

John Bishop, William Plane, Abraham Cruttenden, 

Francis Bushnell, Richard Gutridge, Francis Chatfield, 

William Chittenden, John Hughes, William Halle, 

William Leete, Wm. Dudley, Thomas Naish, 

Thomas Joanes, J"hn Farmelin, Henry Kingsnorth, 

John Jurdon, John Mcpham, Henry Doude, 

William Stone, Henry Whitfield, ' 'rhonias Cooke. 

John Hoadly, 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. I3 

Mr. Wm. Leete, May 22, 1^8. /6^6 

Thomas Jordan, 
John Hodely, 

John Scranton, " " 

George Bartlett, " " 

Jasper Stillwell, 

Alexander Chalker, " " 

John Stone, " " 

Thomas Jones, May 22, 1649. 

William Hall, 
Thomas Beits, 

John Parmelin, Sen., " 

Henry Kingsnorth, June 15, 1649. 

Thomas Cook, Feb. 14, 1650. 

Richard Bristow, 
Jno. Parmelin, Jr., 

John Fowler, June 30, 1650. 

Wm. Dudley, 
Richard Gutteridge, 

Abraham Cruttenden, Sen., May 19, 1651 

Edward Benton, " 

John Evarts,' Feb. 5, 1652. 

The following names of planters are given in the original 
Records, who had not been admitted as freemen : 
John Bishop Sen;, 
Thomas Chatfield, 
Francis Bushnell, 
Henry Dowd, 



I The name of John Evarts, which appears at the bottom of the list of names in 
1650 was undoubtedly added afterwards, as it appears that he did not come to Guil- 
ford until the next year, being admitted a planter Sept. 4, 1651, and sworn in a free- 
man Feb. 5, 165a. He purchased John Mepham's allotment of Timothy Baldwin of 
Milford, by deed dated July 29, 1651. 



14 HISTORY OF GUILFORD, 

Richard Hues^ 

George Chatfield^ 

William Stone, 

John Stevens, 
\ Benjamin Wright, 

'John Linsley^ 

John Johnson, 

John Sheader^ 

Samuel Blachley, 

Thomas French^ 

Stephen Bishop, 

Thomas Stevens, 

William B or em an ^ 

Edward Sewers, 

George Highland, 

Abraham Cruttenden, Jr. 
Among the names in the above list John Higginson, George 
Hubbard, John Fowler, and Thomas Betts ' were not of the 
original settlers. The Rev. Mr. Higginson came from Salem, 
Mass., where his father Francis Higginson was the first pastor, 
first stopping at Hartford, afterwards at Saybrook fort, and then 
coming to Guilford about 1641. George Hubbard came from 
Wethersfield to Milford with Mr. Prudden in 1639 on the set- 
tlement of the last mentioned town and purchased the property 
of Jacob Sheaffe in CJuilford, Sept. 22, 1648, who thereupon 
moved to Boston, Mass. John Fowler also came with Mr. 
Prudden to Milford in 1639, ?.nd is mentioned on the first list 
of planters made on the settlement of that town, and is supposed 
also to liave come from Wethersfield. He came to Guilford 
before 1648, as he is mentioned as early as that time. John 



' Thomas Betts came from Milford, where he was one of the first settlers, in 1639. 
He afterwards removed, 1665, or 1666, to Norwalk. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. I5 

Mepham having died before the lists were made, his name is not 
mentioned, although he was sworn in May 22, 1648. Henry 
Goldam appears to have been here at this time and long after- 
wards but his name is omitted from the lists for some cause. 
Abraham Cruttenden, Sen., and Edward Benton, were among 
the earliest settlers, but were not admitted freemen till after the 
list was made out, and their names were added at the time of 
their being sworn, May 19, 1651, George Hubbard seems to 
have been received as a freeman immediately after his coming 
to Guilford, and Mr. Whitfield and Mr. Higginson were pro- 
bably granted the privileges of freemen by courtesy, as there is 
no account of their being sworn in. 

Of those who were only planters, John Bishop, Sen., was 
one of the original settlers and one of the original grantees with 
Mr. Whitfield and others in the deed from the sachem squaw. 
Thomas Chatfield and George Chatfield were brothers of Francis 
Chatfield (who was in Guilford as early as August, 1645, and 
probably some three or four years before that time), who died 
1646 as appears by the settlement of his estate recorded in the 
first volume of the Records, Oct. 13, 1646. Benjamin Wright, 
John Stevens with his sons Thomas and William Stevens, 
Henry Dowd, William Stone, Richard Hues, John Johnson, 
Thomas French, Stephen Bishop, and Wm. Boreman appear 
to have been here as early as 1646. Edward Sewers and George 
Highland came as late as 165 1 and their names must have been 
added to the list after it was made out. 

There were many of the original planters who died or removed 
prior to 1650, whose names are not on the lists. John Caffinge, 
one of the first prominent settlers and one of the original grantees 
from the sachem squaw, Thomas Norton and Thomas Mills 
(who died 1648), John Mepham (died 1649), John Jordan (died 
1649), William Somers (died 1650), William Plaine, who was 
here as early as 1645 and was executed about 1648, Thomas 



l6 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Relf who was divorced from his wife Elizabeth Disborow in 
1650, leaving the plant-.tion so that his estate was settled as 
though he was dead, and his widow afterwards married John 
Johnson one of the early settlers, October, 165 1, Thomas 
Dunk, who was here in 1645 but removed to Saybrooic about 
1650, and Francis Austin,' who embarked in the Lamberton 
ship and was lost ; these are not found on the lists. 

The places where most of the original settlers first located 
themselves are now known. The noted Stone house of Mr. 
.Whitfield, said to have been built in 1639, erected both for the 
accommodation of his family and as a fortification for the pro- 
tection of the inhabitants against the Indians, is supposed to be 
the oldest dwelling-house now standing in the United States. 
This house was kept in its original form until 1868, when it 
underwent such renovation as changed its appearance and in- 
ternal arrangement to a great extent, although the north wall 
and large stone chimney are substantially the same as they have 
been for over two centuries.^ It occupies a rising ground over- 



' Francis Austin is supposed to be tiie ancestor of the Austins who resided for- 
merly in the north part of North Guilford, from whom descended Stephen Austm, 
formerly of that village, who figured so conspicuously in the history of Texas and 
after whom the city of Austin was named. 

- The following description of the old Stone house, or Mr. Whitfield's house, is 
taken from a note in Palfrey's History of Ne-w England, ii, 59, furnished by Mr. 
Smith about 1859, and is descriptive of its appearance and condition at that tmie: 

The walls are of stone, from a ledge eighty rods distant to the east. It was pro- 
bably brought on hand-barrows, across a swamp, over a rude causey, which is still to 
be traced. A small addition, not here represented, has in modern times been made 
to the back of the house, but there is no question that the main building remains in 
its original state, even to the oak of the beams, floors, doors, and window-sashes. 
The following representations of the interior exhibit accurately the dimensions of the 
rooms, windows, and doors, the thickness of the walls, etc., on a scale of ten feet to 
the inch. The single dotted lines represent fire-places and doors. The double 
dotted lines represent windows. In the recesses of the windows are broad seats. 
Within the memory of some of the residents of the town, the panes of glass were of 
diamond shape. 

The height of the first story is seven feet and two-thirds. The height ot the 





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HISTORY OF GUILFORD. ly 

looking the great plain south of the village and commanding a 
very fine prospect of" the sound. It is said that the first marriage 
was celebrated in it, the wedding-table being garnished with the 
substantial luxuries of pork and pease. According to tradition 
the stone, of which this house was built, was brought by the In- 
dians on hand-barrows, across the swamp, from Griswold's 
rocks, a ledge about eighty rods east of the house, and an an- 
cient causeway across the swamp is shown as the path employed 
for this purpose. The house consisted of two stories and an 
attic. The walls were three feet thick. At the southwest 
corner of the second floor there was a singular embrasure, com- 
manding the approach from the south and west, which was evi- 
dently made tor defensive purposes. In the attic there were 
two recesses evidently intended as places of concealment. 

This house was undoubtedly the best in the village but not the 
only one built of stone. Jasper Stillwell, on the lot northward, 
Rev. John Higginson — son-in-law of Mr. Whitfield and sub- 
sequently of Salem, Mass., and Sam'l Disborow, the magistrate 
and a relative of Oliver Cromwell, all had stone houses, situated 
back from the street with door yards in front similar to Mr. 
Whitfield's. Mr, Whitfield sold his accommodations to Major 
Thompson oi London, a man of some note during the com- 
monwealth, in whose family it remained until a short time before 
the Revolutionary war, when Wyllys Elliott of Guilford pur- 
chased it. 



second is six feet and three-quarters. At the southerly corner in the second story 
there was originally an embrasure, about a foot wide, with a stone flooring, which 
remains. The exterior walls are now closed up, but not the walls within. 

The walls of the front and back of the house terminate at the floor of the attic, 
and the rafters lie upon them. The angle of the roof is 60°, making the base and 
sides equal. At the end of the wing, by the chimney, is a recess, which must have 
been intended as a place of concealment. The interior wall has the appearance of 
touching the chimney, like the wall at the northwest end. But the removal of a 
board discovers two closets which project beyond the lower part of the building. 

3 



l8 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Mr. Higginson lived at the southwest corner of the green on 
the south side of Bridge street. Mr. Disborow on the same 
side of the street, to the west. Mr. Leete lived on the north 
corner of Water and Broad streets. Mr. Chittenden on the 
south corner opposite, near the bank of West or Menunkatuck 
river. Mr. Rob't Kitchel lived on t'ne corner of Broad and 
Fair streets, on the site occupied by the house of the late Judge 
Griffing, John Fowler on the opposite corner where Judge 
Fowler, one of his descendants lived in recent times. 

The rich and cleared lands about the town plat, together with 
considerations of continual intercourse and mutual safety, in- 
duced the colonists to settle in a cluster, but as their numbers 
increased and as circumstances became more favorable, they 
gradually spread themselves into other parts of the First Society 
and pretty soon into Madison near the shore of the sound, and 
at Hammonassett. As early as October, 1646, it was " ordered 
that Nut plains and another plain on the east side of East river 
(doubtless that now called Howlett's), together with the land 
on the other side of said East river, both upland and marsh, 
should be viewed, and a survey taken of all the said parcels ; 
that so division might be made according as was due to every 
planter wanting land." In 1649 a bridge was built over East 
river, which makes it probable that the lands in the vicinity of 
this river began to be cultivated quite early, and that before the 
lapse of many years they began to be settled. 

Dr. Bryan Rossiter joined the settlers in Guilford and was 
admitted and approved a planter, having purchased the estate of 
Mr. Disborow, the magistrate (on his leaving for England), 
October, 1651. He was sworn as a freeman (with Nathaniel 
Whitfield, who seems to have remained a few years after his 
father) June 8, 1654. Doctor Rossiter is said to have come 
over originally with five or six brothers to Boston on the first 
settlement of this country. In 1640 he was enumerated among 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



19 



the settlers of Windsor where he seems to have resided until he 
came to Guilford in 1 65 1. His daughter, Johanna Rossiter, 
was married Nov. 7, 1660, to John Cotton, the son of the 
celebrated John Cotton of Massachusetts. After the marriage 
he preached occasionally at Guilford and at Killingworth, where 
he was hired for a considerable period (about 1670), as appears 
from the records of that town, until he finally returned to 
Massachusetts and was a distinguished pastor of the church at 
Plymouth for many years. Cotton Mather calls him one by 
whom not only the English but also the Indians of America 
have the glad tidings of salvation carried to them. He supplied 
the church at Guilford jointly with Mr. John Bowers, previous 
to the settlement of Mr. Joseph Elliott, 1664. He had two 
children born in Guilford. 

John Meigs came to Guilford from New Haven, where he 
seems to have resided previously, and was admitted a planter on 
his buying a hundred pound allotment at Hammonassett on its 
settlement March 3, 1653-4. He seems to have become un- 
popular and removed to Killingworth on its first settlement, 
where he died, as appears by the Killingworth Town Records, 
January 4, 1 671. When he first came to Guilford, his father 
Vincent Meigs, who appears to have been old at that time, 
came with him and died at Hammonassett, 1658. John Meigs, 
Jun., came to Guilford from Killingworth, soon after his 
father's death, and settled in the east part of the town where 
his posterity are numerous to this day. 

William Seward came originally from Bristol, England, and 
settled first at New Haven, and, while residing there he was 
married to Miss Grace Norton of Guilford, April 2, 1651. 
He soon after removed to Guilford and took the oath of fidelity 
there May 4, 1654. He appears to have been a tanner, a man 
of considerable property and eminence in the town. For a long 
time he was captain of the guard in Guilford, and an anecdote 



20 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

is related of him, that, when the charter of the state was sup- 
posed to be concealed in Guilford, during the usurpation of 
Edmund Andross, by Governor Leete's family, and delegates 
were sent down to seize and bring it to Hartford, Mr. Seward 
marched his company, with their muskets loaded, down to the 
southeast corner of the green, where the delegates were lodged, 
and paraded them in front of the house to the beat of the drum. 
On being asked by the delegates, what they wanted ? the 
captain informed them that he came to escort them out of 
town, and that he would not leave with his men until they had 
left, which must be as soon as possible. The delegates seeing 
their danger accepted the escort thus forced upon them and 
left. Mr. Seward died March 2, 1689, aged sixty-two years. 

William Johnson, the ancestor of Dr. Johnson and a large 
part of the Guilford Johnsons, came to Guilford from New 
Haven as early as 1653. He was for many years town clerk 
of the plantation. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Francis 
Bushnell. John Baldwin came from Milford in 1651, and took 
the oath of fidelity, February 5, 1652. John Hill, by trade a 
carpenter, came from Northamptonshire, in England, as early 
as 1654, and settled upon the north side of the green on the 
place now occupied by E. C. Bishop and Tabor Smith. John 
Grave came from Hartford, 1657, and married Elizabeth Still- 
well, daughter of Jasper Stillwell, Nov. 26, 1657. Jasper 
Stillwell died Nov. 8, 1656, in Guilford, without male issue, 
and Mr. Grave occupied his situation on the east side of South 
lane, now called Harbor street, two lots of land north of the 
stone house. He came originally from England and was for 
many years the town clerk. Thomas Clarke came from Milford, 
where he was one of the original settlers, and married Anne Jordan, 
widow of John Jordan, who died in 1652, and settled here 1653. 
He lived on the west side of South lane, nearly where William S. 
Kelsey now lives. Thomas Meacock, also of Milford, and one 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 21 

of its settlers, with Mr. Prudden in 1639, was admitted a 
planter of Guilford on the purchase of land from Dennis 
Crampton, May 14, 1660. Dennis Crampton came here prior 
to 1656, when he was an apprentice and was complained of, for 
slander and cheating, and, according to the Records^ vol. A, 
page 151, not having any estate to make satisfaction by way of 
fine and penalty, the court ordered that he be immediately cor- 
porally punished by whipping. He afterwards, however, be- 
came a man of considerable property and some distinction in the 
Plantation, and his posterity remain in both Guilford and Madi- 
son to this day. He lived on the west side of South lane, and 
afterwards removed and settled on the Neck plain in Madison. 
Nathan Bradley and Stephen Bradley came to Guilford quite 
early. In 1658 the former was twenty and the latter sixteen years 
of age, as appears by the Records^ vol. A, page 172. Nathan 
Bradley settled in the eastern part of the town, and Stephen 
in Neck plain. Their descendants are numerous both in Guil- 
ford and New Haven at the present time. The following ac- 
count of Nathan Bradley is taken from Barber's Historical Col- 
lections of Connecticut^ page 22^. He was one of a family of 
five or six brothers, who were staunch dissenters and came to- 
gether from England. He settled and built his house about 
two miles and a half eastward of where the Madison Church 
now is, and near to the Killingworth line. He intended to 
have landed at New Haven but was obliged to put in at Say- 
brook and come across the wilderness to New Haven, there 
being no settlement at that time between that place and Say- 
brook. Mr. Bradley who was quite a hunter, was the first 
white person who discovered the source of the Hammonassett 
river, which originates in a pond still called Nathan's pond. 
Mr. Bradley lived to an advanced age, and is said to have killed 
several hundred deer while he resided in the town. In the 
winter, bears, wolves, and other wild animals, would resort to 



22 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

the sea-coast in considerable numbers. On one occasion, Mr. 
B., in his old age, went to see a friend who lived about a mile 
northerly of the meeting house. On his way he met a bear 
with her cubs. He endeavored to ride around her, but as he 
moved the bear moved, when he stopped she stopped, and sit- 
ting on her haunches, presented an undaunted front, seeming 
determined to oppose his further passage. Mr. B. was obliged 
to turn back, and in the childishness of old age shed tears that he, 
who had killed so many of these creatures, should be at last 
obliged to turn his back upon one of them. 

Mr. John Collins came from Branford in 1669, and married 
Mary Kingsnorth, the sister of Henry Kingsnorth. He set- 
tled on P'air street, on the east side, next north of the lot on 
which the late Mr. Russell Frisbic's house now stands. After- 
wards, in right ot his wife, he came into possession of the lands 
of Henry and James Kingsnorth. Henry Kingsnorth came 
out from England, probably with the first settlers, and dying 
about 1660, gave his property unto such son of Daniel 
Kingsnorth as should come from England and claim the same, 
otherwise, to John Collins and his wife Mary. Accordingly James 
Kingsnorth appeared before the county court at New Haven and, 
on the exhibit of Henry Kingsnorth's will, he presented a letter 
from Mr. Whitfield, then in England, to Mr. Jno. Hall affirming 
the fact. He also showed a certificate from the rectors, 
church wardens and parish clerks, of Staple Hurst, in the 
county of Kent as to his age, whereupon he was adjudged the 
inheritance and resided in Guilford till his death, 1682. Not 
leaving any issue, by his nuncupative will he bequeathed all his 
real estate to either of his brothers, or either of their sons, that 
should come over to New England for it, and if none of them 
came in five years time then the inheritance to fall to his un- 
cle and aunt Collins, they sending over to each of his brothers 
or their sons, a piece of plate worth three pounds in England. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 23 

His two brothers, Daniel and John Kingsnorth afterwards ac- 
knowledged the receipt of such pieces of plate, and by their 
deed made and executed in England conveyed the said real es- 
tate to John Collins, 1686. 

Richard Hubball was admitted a planter, February 25, 165 J, 
on purchasing Samuel Blatchley's lots and accommodations in 
his stead. He appears also to have purchased the land and 
accommodations of John Baldwin, October 16, 1660. In 1680, 
however, he removed and settled in Fairfield, where his posterity 
are numerous to the present day. Henry Crane was a planter 
in Guilford about 1660, but removed to Killingworth on the 
settlement of that town, and is enumerated in the list of its 
first settlers, October, 1663. Thomas Smith came into Guil- 
ford, on the invitation of the planters, from Fairfield, in the 
capacity of blacksmith, 1652, and took the oath of fidelity. May 
II, 1654. There seems to have been great difficulty in pro- 
curing a blacksmith and a considerable tract of land was given 
to induce Smith to settle here. "This was given him on con- 
dition of serving the town in the trade of a smith upon just and 
mo^efS^e terms for the space of five years." In 1663 Smith 
.removed, with others to Killingworth on the first settlement of 
\hat town. John Hod^kin came from Essex, England, and 
wa§. admitted to the oath of fidelity, May 11, 1654. 

Ih 1657 or 1658 a list was made out of the freemen. It is 
herewith appended, with the dates of their subsequent deaths : 

JVm. Leete^ removed to 

Hartford, died April 6, 1683. 

Robt. Kitchell^ removed to 

Newark, 1666 or 7, ''• Oct., 1671. 

Wm. Chittenden^ " Feb., 1 660- 1. 

George Hubbard^ " Jan., 1683. 

Mr. Bryan Rossiter^ " Sept. 30, 1672. 

Mr. John Bishop, " Jan., 1661. 



24 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Jbm. Cruttenden Sen., died Jan., 1683. 

^m. Dudley, " Mar. 16, 1684. 

VVm. Johnson, " Oct. 27, 1702. 

^ Benjn. Wright, Sen., " Mar. 29, 1677 

William Stone, " Nov, 1683. 

Thomas Cooke, '' Dec. 1, 1692. 

John Stevens, " Sept. i, 1670. 

John Fowler, " Sept. 14, 1 676. 

John Hill, " June 8, 1689. 

'John Parmelin, Sen., " Nov. 8, 1 659. 

John Evarts, " May 9, 1669. 
Thomas French, 

William Seward, " Mar. 2, 1689. 

William Stevens, " Jan., 1703. 

Henry Kingsnorth, " July 28, 1 668. 

Richard Guttridge, " May 7, 1676. 

Henry Doud, " Aug. 31, 1668. 

JVilliam Hall, " May 7, 1669. 

John Scranton, " Aug. 27, 1671. 

Edward Benton, " Oct. 28, 1680. 

Dan. Benton, " June 9, 1672. 

John Meigs, " Jan. 10, 167 1-2. 

Rich'd Bristow, " Sept., 1683. 

John Johnson, " Nov., 1681. 

John Sheader, " June i, 1670. 

Rich. Hubball, " 1692. 

John Parmelin, Jun., " Jan. 1687-8. 

Ab'm Cruttenden, Jun., " Sept. 25, 1694. 

John Graves, " Dec. 31, 1695. 

Geo. Highland, " Jan. 21, 1692-3. 

John Rossiter, '■'■ Sept., 1670. 
John Baldwin, left 1661 for Norwich. 

Thos. Clark, buried Oct. 10, 1668. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 25 

Rich, Hughes, died July 3, 1658. 

John Stone, " Feb., 1687. 

George Bartlctt, " Aug. 2, 1669. 

Henry Goldam, " 166 1. 

Nicholas Munger, " Oct. 16, 1668. 

Geo. Chatfield, " June 9, 1671. 

John Bishop, Jr., " Oct., 1683. 

Stephen Bishop, " June, 1690. 

This list contains the names of forty-seven persons probably 
all freemen, as at the time the list was made out there were 
many others resident in Guilford and planters not named. Of 
the twenty-eight freemen on the former list of 1650, the nine- 
teen mentioned again are those in italics. Mr. John Higginson, 
the clergyman, is not mentioned again as he was the minister, 
or probably had left the colony of which he was certainly not a 
member in 1659. Mr. Whitfield, Mr. Sam. Disborough and 
Mr. Thomas Jordan had returned to England. Thomas Betts 
had removed to Norv/alk in Fairfield county, 1656 or 1657. 
Alexander Chalker had removed to Saybrook as early as 1654. 
Thomas Jones had probably removed to England with Mr. 
Thomas Jordan, who went back two years after Mr. Whitfield in 
1654. Mr. Whitfield took one of his sons (John Whitfield) back 
with him, the other Nathaniel remained and was admitted a free- 
man as before stated, June 8, 1654. He returned to England 
about the same year and became a distinguished merchant in 
London and was agent of Mr Disborow in that city in 1664. 
Mr. Thomas Jones left Mr. William Chittenden as his agent 
here, as did the others who went back to England. He also left a 
son i^-tij^ibew, Samuel Jones, and, on the sale of his lands by his 
said agent, March 4, 1667 to John Meigs, it is stated that " the 
alienation was made with the free consent of the said Samuel Jones 
who laid some claim to the lands as being the heir thereto." 
Jasper Stillwell had died Nov., 1656. John Evarts, the only 



26 HISTORY OF GL'ILFORD. 

Other freeman mentioned on the former list was admitted, as be- 
fore stated, Feb. 5, 1652. Of the other names on the list of 
1650, which were then not freemen, seven are not named on the 
list of 1657 or 1658, viz. : Thomas Chatrield, Francis Biishnell, 
John Linsley, Samuel Blatchley, Thomas Stevens, Wm. Bore- 
man and Edward Sewers. Thomas Stevens was not yet ad- 
mitted to the oath of freeman, but he evidently continued a 
resident of Guilford until about 1665 when he removed to Kil- 
lingworth. His name is never mentioned among the freemen 
of Guilford. Thomas Chatfield had sold out his property in 
Guilford and removed to " East Hampton in the East Riding 
of Long Island," as it was then called. PVancis Bushnell, who 
had kept the town mill since the death of Thomas Norton, 
1648, removed to Saybrook about 1659-60 and upon the soli- 
citations of its inhabitants erected a corn mill on Oyster river, 
being the first erected in that town, for which the proprietors gave 
him a farm on condition that a mill should be kept there continu- 
ally and that the inhabitants should have equal privileges in regard 
to grinding, which farm is held by his descendants on these con- 
ditions at the present time. John Linsley, becoming disaffected 
on account of the results of a la\ysuit for slander in favor oi 
Richard Goodrich and his wife, sold out all his allotments in 
Guilford to William Hall and removed to Branford, 1654. 
Samuel Blatcliley appears to have died previous to 1660. P^d- 
ward Sewers appears to have remained for awhile, and then to 
have removed to Stony creek, Branford. William Boreman, 
died about 1652 and his allotments were sold by Nathan Har- 
man, attorney, to Daniel Butcher, brother-in-law of said Bore- 
man, of Hawkhurst in Kent, England, 1663. The remaining 
thirteen were all admitted freemen from 1650 to 1660, Jno. 
Johnson, Feb. 7, 1652-3, Dr. Bray Rossitor June 3, 1654. 

John Rossiter came in company with his father Dr. Rossiter 
and took the oath of fidelity with him. May 1 1, 1654. Thomas 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. l-j 

Stevens, Thomas Cruttenden, Jno. Hodgkin and Thomas 
Smith took the oath at the same time ; and Nathaniel Whitfield, 
Wm. Johnson, William Seward, William Stevens, Richard 
Hubball, Isaac Cruttenden (son of Abraham), Samuel Kitchell 
(son of Robert), Thomas Chittenden (son of William), Dennis 
Crampton, Daniel Benton (son of Edward, one of the freemen 
of the list just given), An'drew Benton and Daniel Evarts (son 
of John), took the oath of fidelity- May 4, 1654; John Bishop 
Jr., Stephen Bishop (sons of John, Sen.), Geo. Highland, Geo. 
Chatfield, Wm. Boreman, Nicholas Munger, Edward Sewers, 
Abm. Cruttenden Jr., in 1652; Benjamin Wright Sen., Richard 
Hughes, Abm. Cruttenden Sen., and John Sheader as early as 
1645, as also Hy. Dowd and Wm. Stone, John Stevens and 
his son William Stevens and Thomas French, who although 
not among the first settlers came very early. 

About 1660, the Rev. John Bowers came to Guilford and 
purchased an estate, and supplied the pulpit for three or four years 
until Mr. Joseph Elliott was settled. He afterwards removed 
to Branford, and as late as 1670, to Derby where he settled. 

In 1672, a third division of land was voted among all the then 
planters according to their lists of that year. The proprietors 
numbered something over one hundred, although the number 
of resident planters must have been much smaller. The list 
of freemen made out about the same time numbered about sixty- 
three. It contains the names of Joseph Clay, Josiah Wilcox, 
Obadiah Wilcoxon and Joseph Hand who had settled between 
1660, and that time. Joseph Hand came from East Hampton, 
Long Island, and settled in the east part of the town. About 
the same time Jonathan Hoyt from Windsor, came and also 
settled in the east part of the town, as also Thomas Meacock 
from Wallingford. Edward Lee settled in the town about 
1675, Mr. James Hooker, a man of considerable note and 
afterwards the first judge of the court of probate came from 



20 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Farmington about 1692, Peter Tallman from England, about 
16B4, Thomas Griswold from Wethersfield, about 1695, John 
Baily, John Sergeant, Mathew Bellamy and Ephraim Daiwin, 
came earlier. Andrew Ward (grandson of Andrew Ward, one 
of the first settlers of Wethersfield, and one of the first judges 
of the county court, in Hartford, and son of Andrew Ward 
who removed from Stamford, and married Tryal Mei^^s, the 
daughter of the first John Meigs who became a settler of Killing- 
worth, in 1668), came to Guilford with his mother, Tryal 
Ward about 1690. Charles Caldwell came first from Evain, 
Scotland, to Hartford, and removed to Guilford about 1 7 10. 
Shubel Shelly arrived about 17 14; Comfort and Jehosaphat 
Starr, from Middletown, about 1 690 or 1700. Comfort Starr 
was a tailor and purchased, 1692, the home lot of John Collins, 
on Crooked Lane, now State street, nearly opposite to where 
Abraham S. Fowler recently lived. Stephen Dodd W2t.?, admitted 
a planter Dec. 14, 1676. Samuel Baldwin was invited by the 
inhabitants to come from Fairfield, his former residence, to 
settle as a smith, 1675, and was admitted a planter on condition 
of his serving them as a smith, Feb. 8, 1675-6. Such was the 
need of the inhabitants for some one to serve in his trade that 
they granted him liberty "to take up one-half an acre of land 
upon the green, between John Bishop's barn and the saw-pit 
all along against the front of said Bishop's home lot according 
as it is now laid out to him," being in front of nearly all the 
east side of the green. Mr. Thomas Robinson bought out the 
land, which was originally owned by John Caffinge, as early as 
1666, and afterward became one of the wealthiest of the settlers. 
He was noted for a long and very expensive lawsuit with the 
town, originating from his taking up land on the front of his 
lot, which was claimed by the town. The suits which grew 
out of this act were appealed eventually to the legislature, and 
finally were adjusted and settled by the interposition of a com- 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 1^ 

mittee therefrom, Ephraim Darwin was a man of considerable 
property and resided near the rocks at the head of Fair street, 
which have derived their name of Ephraim's rocks from him. 
He came to Guilford as early as 1670, but his family became 
extinct in the next century. John Hodgkin from Essex, Eng- 
land, came as early as 1665, Mathew Beckwith^ in 166)7, but 
apparently did not remain long in the colony, and Edward Park 
from Killingworth, was admitted a planter, May 28, 1671. The 
latter was by trade a tailor, becoming afterwards one of the first 
settlers of Cohabit (North Guilford). 'Jonathan Hoyt^ of Windsor, 
w^as granted, Dec. 9, 3671, liberty to stay over the winter and 
if he behaved himself well that in that time he may procure a 
certificate according to law. He afterwards became one of the 
first proprietors of the society called E. Guilford, now Madison, 
where his descendants still reside. John Bayley and Thos. 
Tinkard, came to Guilford about 1680, Henry Wise and Jacob 
Everest were admitted Nov. 9, 1680, but none of their name 
are now residents within the limits of the ancient town. John 
Hodgkin, from Essex, England, was admitted as early as 1670, 
but his descendants gradually modified the name into Hotchkin 
and Hotchkiss, although some of the older people still pertina- 
ciously employ the old name in common conversation. 

When the patent was granted from the governor and colony 
of Connecticut, Dec. 7, 1685, there were, according to actual 
investigation some tinie afterwards, eighty proprietors inhabit- 
ants and ten deceased, whose heirs are mentioned, and one 
widow Susanna Bishop, all from the families previously named, 
althougli some persons who appear to have died previously or 
who remained without any interest in the town are not men- 
tioned in the patent. Abraham Kimberly came from West 
Haven as late as 1700, Jasper Griffing from SouthhoKl, Long 
Island and Joseph Pynchon from Springfield at subsequent 
periods. 



30 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Those names in italics in the list of 1650, and mentioned 
heretofore as late settlers, have become extinct in Guilford ; from 
the other settlers a large proportion of the present inhabitants 
have descended, as also many families in Madison, Killingworth, 
and other parts of the country. 

North Guilford was surveyed and divided in 1705. Soon 
after this, members were accustomed to go up from the First 
Society on Monday of each week to clear their lands and to 
return on Saturday, From the circumstance of their dwelling 
together through the week, tlie place began to be called Cohabit, 
a name which it long retained and which is occasionally ap- 
plied to it at present. Their numbers, however, so increased 
that at the close of 17 19, they had liberty to become a distinct 
society. Among the early settlers were Timothy and Nathaniel 
Baldwin, George and Daniel Bartlett, Ebenezer and Joseph 
Benton, Ebenezer and Samuel Bishop, Joseph Clark, John and 
Daniel Collins, Wm. Dudley, Samuel and Joseph Fowler, 
William Hall, Samuel Hobson, John Hubbard, Benjamin Leete, 
Jon" Robinson, Josiah and Joshua Stone and Nathaniel Parks, 
all of whom excepting the last named, who was from East 
Guilford, were from the First Society. Theophilus Rossiter 
from the same society was also an early settler ; and Ebenezer 
Talman from the First Society, Joseph Chidsey from East 
Haven, and the ancestors of some other families moved into this 
section of the town some time after the settlement began. 

The population of the town, including East Guilford, has 
gradually increased from the beginning, notwithstanding constant 
emigration. In 1670 there were two hundred and fifty-five in- 
hal)itants, comprising one hundred and thirty-five males and one 
hundred and twenty females, as ascertained at the time of mak- 
ing the third division of the lands in the town. At the time of 
the fourth division in 1690, there were one hundred and eight 
taxable persons. Supposing these were one-fifth part of the 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 3 I 

inhabitants, there must have been a population of five hundred 
and forty souls. In 1730, at the time of the sixth division of 
lands among the proprietors, three hundred and twenty-six per- 
sons were taxed, giving according to the same rate of calculation 
one thousand six hundred and thirty, as the entire population. 
The following enumerations made by public authority give 

1756 2322 

1774 2930 

1800 3597 

1810 3845 

1820 4J3'> ^^^ ''ist census before the division. 

1830 41531 '" fli^ ^wo towns, Madison and Guilford, 

giving an increase for ten years of only twenty-two. The 
population of Guilford was then two thousand three hundred 
and forty-four, and of Madison one thousand eight hundred and 
nine. In the census last mentioned sixty-seven persons were 
found in the families living on the strip of land mentioned on 
page ten, which in 1820 belonged to Guilford First Society. 
Had no alterations been made in the societies by the division of 
the town, their population at the two periods would have stood 
as follows : 

1800 1820 1830 

Guilford First Society, 1629 19 18 1863 

[in the borough 1,097, without 821] 

North Guilford, 540 581 548 

Madison First Society, 939 1079 1262 

North Madison, 489 553 480 

3597 

Population in 1840 — whole town, 2421 

The population according to the census of 1 850 was, 

Guilford First Society, 2158 

North Guilford, 495 

Total 2953 



32 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



By the census of i860 

Guilford First Society, 2 10 1 

North Guilford, 523 

Total 2624 
By the census of 1870 

Guilford First Society, 2079 

North Guilford, 496 

Total 2575 
In the borough 1850, 1115; i860, 1232 j 1870, 1300. 
The emigrations from the towJi cannot be precisely and fully 
stated. When Branford was tirst settled in 1644 some per- 
sons, as has been previously stated, removed thither. Mr. Whit- 
field, Mr. Desborough, Mr. Thos. Jordan, John Hodely, 
Messrs. Nathaniel and John Whitfield (sons of the clergyman) and 
perhaps some others returned to England, 1 651. When Killing- 
worth was settled in 1663 and 1664, some families removed to 
that town, and about the same time, as previously stated, several 
removed to Saybrook. Near the commencement of the last 
century several families planted themselves in Durham and, in 
connection with others, commenced the settlement of that 
place ; not long after this some planted themselves in Middle- 
finld and Westfield, parishes of Middletown. About 1750 
numbers moved to Litchfield, Washington, Goshen, Salisbury, 
and Canaan, in Litchfield county, where the names of Stone, 
Norton, Fowler, Elliott, and Baldwin mark their descendants 
at this day. Ten years thereafter numbers from Guilford joined 
together and took a prominent part in the settlement of Rich- 
mond and Stockbridge, in Berkshire county, Massachusetts. 
Guilford, Vt., as well as Chittenden county were settled to a 
considerable extent and derived their names from this place 
about 1674. Clareniont and Charleston, New Hampshire, were 
also settled from Guilford about 1 786, and about the same time 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. ^^ 

some emigrated and settled Greenville, New York. More re- 
cently some have settled at Paris, Westmoreland and Verona 
in that state, in the Connecticut Western Reserve, Ohio, and 
still more recently at Fairfield and other parts of Illinois. 

[In addition to these emigrations of families, many a fireside 
in distant states has been graced and made happy by the presence 
of the daughters of Guilford, who have carried with them to 
their husband's homes the rich dower of truth, gentleness and 
Christian character, attained in their New England home. 
Under their fostering care 

" Minds have been nurtured, whose control 
Is felt even in their nation's destiny ; 
Men who swayed senates with a statesman's soul, 
And looked on armies with a leader's eye ; 
Names that adorn and dignify the scroll 
Whose leaves contain their country's history."] 

It has been already noticed that the first settlers were almost 
universally farmers. Their descendants have very generally 
followed the same occupation. Some mechanic arts, however, 
besides the manufacture of the common articles of use in a 
family, have been pursued. Mr. Daniel Hubbard conducted 
an extensive carriage-making establishment until the commer- 
cial embarrassments of 1837. A site for a clothier's works on 
West river, northwest of the borough, one of the first in the 
state, was granted to Samuel Johnson, 1707. The most that 
this establishment could do was to full the cloth sent to it, " a 
lirge proportion of which was worn without shearing or press- 
ing." Cloth dressing at this establishment was carried on by 
the family of Samuel Johnson for many years, being even pro- 
secuted by a great grandson of the same name within the 
memory of many of the present inhabitants. 

Vessels have been occasionally built in this town. Many of 
these owned by the inhabitants have been and are employed in 
the coasting trade, and in former days some were employed in 
5 



34 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

the West India trade. Formerly large quantities of shoes were 
made in the town and sent to the southern states for market. 

[In a joint stock company was organized, for the 

manufacture of steam-engines, machinery of various kinds, iron- 
castings, etc., hy some of the prominent and well-to-do citizens 
of the town. The location of the factory was near Jones's 
bridge. It gave employment to a large number of persons and 
bid fair to be eminently successful, but eventually failed. The 
property and manufactured articles on hand, as well as the 
machinery, were sacrificed at a fraction of their value, and the 
building itself was removed to a lot on the west side of the 
green, where it is now known as Music hall. 

In Oliver B. Fowler opened an iron foundery on Fair 

street, which was afterwards purchased by Spencer & Sons, and 
has been a prosperous establishment, affordirig remunerative em- 
ployment to many of the citizens and profitable returns to the 
proprietors. Since the death of Mr. Spencer, his sons have 
c;irried on the business with great prudence and energy, and to 
the advantage of the town. 

In 1868, J. W. Schermerhorn of the city of New York, com- 
menced the manufacture of school furniture in a building erected 
for the purpose of a lock factory, and were for some years very 
successful. Their manufactures were sought after from all 
parts of the union, wherever an ardent interest in education 
created a demand for the best possible furniture for the school- 
room, but financial embarassments in 1877 put a stop to the 
operations of this enterprising firm.] 

Most of the trade of the present town of Guilford is trans- 
acted in the borough or village, pleasantly situated between the 
West river and East creek, north of the great plain, or rather 
on the northern section of the great plain itself. It was incor- 
porated October 18 15, and includes within its present limits 
that part of the First Society which lies between those streams, 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. ^S 

or nearly so, being the great plain and village grounds contained 
in the west part of the deed from the queen sachem, Shaum- 
pishuh, extended north and south, from the sound, back about 
the distance of a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half, being 
from three-fourths of a mile to a mile and a half in breadth 
within these limits. Within the village (in 1838) there were 
one hundred and eighty-three dwelling houses, generally two 
stories in height, and all of wood except the noted stone house, 
two churches, one Congregational, one Protestant Episcopal, 
and two churches in process of erection, for the Episcopal and 
Methodist churches respectively. There were also, at that time, 
a town hall, an academy, post office (established in 1789), 
three taverns, (including the Point House), thirteen stores, 
six shoe shops, one carriage factory, and two cabinet shops. 

The first newspaper published in Guilford, The Shoreline Senti- 
nel^ made its appearance March 8, 1877. It is a large sheet, 
handsomely printed and carefully edited by W. F. Hendrick, 
independent and neutral in politics, appearing weekly on Satur- 
days, and being the only newspaper published on the Shore 
line, between New Haven and New London, is likely to com- 
mand a large circulation and generous encouragement. 

The Guilford Savings Bank^ incorporated at the May session 
(1875) of the general assembly, was organized October r, 1875, 
and declared its first dividend July i, 1876. Its officeu'S arc 
Flon. Edward R. Landon, president, Alfred G. Hull, vice presi- 
dent, Beverly Monroe, treasurer, Henry C. Fowler, secretary. 

Within the limits of the borough is the town mill, whicli was 
established near its present location, very early after the settle- 
ment. The first mill was built about 1643 or 1644, and com- 
pleted in 1645. At a meeting of the inhabitants, as early as 
Aug. 14, 1645, the "finishing of the mill was concluded." 
The first agreement was with Mr. Whitfield, to construct 
a tide mill upon the bay, and a certain lot was appropriated on. 



^6 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

which the mill was to be constructed for the town for a certain 
toll. It was afterwards concluded with Mr. Robert Kitchell in 
1645, to take charge of the mill and pay for the building of the 
same. The mill was kept here for a number of years, and 
finally, the plan of a tide mill not succeeding, it was perma- 
nently built where it now is on West river. The cost of the 
first mill was ascertained 1646, to have been £75. 

Without the borough there were, in 1838, in the First Socit-ty, 
one hundred and nineteen dwelling houses, four taverns, two mer- 
chants stores, two sawmills and a building containing the water- 
works, blacksmithingand other parts of the carriage making estab- 
lishment of Mr. Hubbard, two fulling mills, and two tanneries. 
According to the census of 1870, there were in 

Houses. Families. Population. 

Guilford borough, 286 322 ^300 

Out of borough, 168 177 779 

First Society, 454 499 2,079 

North Guilford, 119 126 496 

Total, 573 625 2,575 

In North Guilford there were, in 1838, ninety-nine dwelling 
houses, two taverns, two merchant's stores, two grain mills, 
two saw mills, one clothier's establishment and two tanneries. 

And in the same year there were residing in the three hundred 
and two houses in the First Society three hundred and thirtv- 
three families, one hundred and ninety-five in the borough, and 
one hundred and thirty-eight without ; and in the ninety-nine 
houses in North Guilford, there resided one hundred and five 
families, making in all four hundred and one houses and four 
hundred and thirty-eight families. 

One of the hotels in the First Society is by the water-side at 
Guilford point, and is called the Point House. It is only open 
in the summer season, when its accommodations ar.-.- fully tested 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 3'/ 

by the fashionable and valetudinarian guests from Connecticut 
and other states, who are tempted by the attractions of sea food 
and the hygienic luxuries of sea bathing and sea air. 

The list of the town as taken in 1825 was as follows : First 
Society, ^25,252, North Society, $8,891, Madison, $11,278, 
North Madison, $4,755, making in all the original town $50,176. 
In 1 83 1 it was as follows: First Society $22,320, North Guil- 
ford $8,390, Madison $13,097, North Madison $5,208, making 
a total of $49,015. In 1850 the list of Guilford was $34,006; 
in i860, $1,263,031 ; and in 1870, $1,430,128. The great 
increase of the town list between 1850 and 1860 is explained 
by the fact that at the former date property was placed in the 
list at three per cent of its assessed value, and at the last date 
at its full assessed valuation. 

The village or borough was intended to have been laid out 
after the form of New Haven, for which the settlers had great 
regard, although it presents but an imperfect resemblance. The 
green or open space in the centre is much smaller than that of 
New Haven. Its length on the western side is sixty -seven and 
one-half rods, on the eastern sixty- six and one-quarter, on the 
northern thirty one and one-half; and on the southern twenty- 
eight and one-half, and it contains eleven and three-quarter acres 
and eight rods.^ The ground was originally uneven and dis- 
figured with numerous basins or pond holes, the centra! part had 
been injudiciously used for a grave yard, like the western portion 
of the public square of New Haven. Some sixty or more years 
ago the pond-holes were filled up and the ground partially 
leveled. The gravestones and monuments were removed to 
the new cemeteries laid out in 1817, about a mile on either side 



» These measurements are those given by the committee, consisting of William 
Stone, Samuel Stone, Ebenezer Talman, and Michael Hill, who measured " the 
square or green in said Guilford where the meeting house of the Old Society in said 
town stands," August 4, 1729. — Guilford Fourth Book of Deeds^ 120. 



38 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

east and west of the village. The public buildings which form- 
erly incumbered the green have all been removed, the last being 
the old Episcopal church which was taken down in 1838. The 
ancient Congregational church was removed in 1830, and the 
Town-house and the Academy about the same time. The in- 
habitants then planted the elms and other shade trees which now 
so suitably embellish the green. In 1837 the green was enclosed 
with a simple white railing for which a private subscription of 
$350 was raised. The green is now an object of attraction 
to all, and surrounded as it is with comfortable and elegant 
houses, large and commodious churches, it presents a picture of 
village beauty equal to any in New England. Its location is in 
the plain at the bottom of the valley which is overlooked by 
Long hill. Clapboard hill. Hungry hill, and other eminences 
in the neighborhood. Its distance is sixteen miles from New 
Haven, thirty-four south from Hartford, arid thirtv-six from 
New London by Saybrook, and about thirty-four by Essexbo- 
rough. [A society of ladies, formed in 1H74, under the name 
of United Workers for Public Improvement^ has greatly inte- 
rested itself in the general beautifying of the borough, by the 
erection of lamps in the "-recn and along thf different streets, and 
by securing general attention to such ornamentation as will in- 
crease the attractions of the place to the citizen and the stranger.] 

The road through Guilford was formerly much used by 
tra\elers from New York to Boston. In May 1794 it was 
made a part of the great mail route from Cjeorgia to Maine. 

A line of stages was run upon it for many years until the 
introduction of steam boats on ihe sound rendered it unprofitable. 
About the year [832 the stages were nearly all discontinued, 
but in 1837 a daily line from Norwich to New Haven was 
established, furnishing Guilford the advantages of a daily mail. 
This was destined to continue only until the much more con- 
venient accommodations of rail cars should be introduced. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 39 

[The general assembly of Connecticut, at the May session 
1848, chartered the New Haven and New London Railwav 
Company to construct a railway from New Haven, " thence 
extending; easterly through the towns on the shore of Long 
Island sound, across the Connecticut river" to New London. 
This company contracted in 1851 ft)r the construction of the 
road, which brought Guilford in direct communication by rail 
with both New Haven and New London. The first passen- 
ger train was run over the road from New Haven to the river, 
July I, 1852. The company was afterwards united with one 
authorized to co. '.struct a road from New London to Stoning- 
ton, and was then known as the New Haven, New London 
and Stonington Railroad Company. At a later date it was 
reorganized as The Shore Line Raihoad Company. In 
November, 1870, its road was leased by this company to the 
New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company, for 
the sum of one hundred thousand dollars a year, which com- 
pany now runs regular trains over the same, supplying great 
facilities for the transportation of passengers and freight to and 
from Guilford, and giving it direct communication with New 
York and Boston.] 

Besides the cemeteries already mentioned, one was laid out 
at Leete's island at an early period, one at Moose hill in 1801, 
and another at Nut plains in 18 1 7. In North Guilford there 
is also a cemetery, doubtless laid out at the settlement of that 
society. 

The health ot Guilford is evinced by the longevity of a large 
proportion of its inhabitants, of which examples are given in 
the ages of the ecclesiastical and civil officers mentioned in this 
work. From a bill of morta'ity kept by John Burgis, Esq., 
from Jan., 1746 to 1799, a period of fifty-three years, it appears 
that there were in the whole town 2024 deaths, which makes 
the average annual number of deaths a fraction over thirty- 



40 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

eight. The greatest mortah'ty was in 1751, 1769, ^11^-, ^794 
and 1795, being in these years no, 70, 70, 67 and 60. The 
disease prevalent in 1 751, is called " an awful epidemic, "^but 
its appropriate name is not mentioned ; that in 1769 and 1776 
was the dysentery. In the latter year, from the rapidity with 
which it spread among those who went into the army, it was 
usually called " the camp distemper." A large proportion of 
deaths in 1794 v/as among the children, many of whom died of 
scarlet fever. In 1795 nine died of the small pox contracted 
from persons who had left the pest-house in Haddam in a filthy 
condition. Nearly two-thirds of the deaths in those sickly 
years, were in the First Society. The deaths occurring in its 
numbers from 1799 to January, 1832, during thirty-three 
years, are 895, a fraction over twenty-seven annually. Suppos- 
ing the average population during this period to have been 1850, 
the deaths were nearly as one to sixty-nine. In North Guil- 
ford the average annual deaths were a fraction over eight in an 
average population of about 570, so that the general state of 
health in the two societies is nearly the same. 
The mortality from 

Guilford. North Guilford. Total. 

1830 — 1840 was 311, 78, 389, or 1. 613 per cent 

1840 — 1850 323, 82, 405, " 1.672 " " 

1850— 1860 357, 81, 438, " 1.651 '^ " 

1860—1870 398, 104, 502, " 1. 913 " '' 

1870—1875 168, 38, 206, " 1.4 " " 

It should have been mentioned before that in 1837, a granite 
quarry was opened at Sawpitts, about a mile southeast of the 
village. It is on the original farm of the Rev. Henry Whit- 
field, about half a mile east of the stone house. The Leake 
and Watts Orphan Asylum, in the twelfth ward of New York 
city, was built of this granite, and other public buildings have 
obtained building material from this quarry, since its opening. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 4I 

Quite recently a very large quarry of excellent granite has 
been opened at Leete's island, which has been extensively 
worked by the proprietor, John Beattie. 

For half a century or more after the settlement was begun, 
medicines were purchased by the town and used as common 
stock. The first settlers seem to have had quite as much faith 
in the efficacy of quack medicines as some individuals manifest 
at the present time. It is recorded in the Town Records^ vol. 
B, 75, that a special town meeting was holden July 3, 1679, 
"to consider whether the inhabitants would buy Mrs. Cosster's 
Physic and Physical drugs." " And was answered by a unani- 
mous vote that they would buy them." And in such repute 
were the good lady's drugs holden that at the same meeting it 
was considered as follows, viz : " The question was further 
taken whether they would pay for them by a free contribution, 
or by a town-rate, and it was given the town also to understand 
that the payment for it must be by wheat and peas and some 
beef, if the beef were suitable, and some flax, if the market for 
flax did stand, and half the payment to be made the next spring, 
and half the payment the next spring following." "To this it 
was answered by a unanimous vote, except one person, that it 
should be paid by a town rate, and in the specie and time pro- 
posed." 

And in a subsequent town meeting, August 28th, 1679, 
" Lieut. Wm. Seward was chosen and appointed to fetch or 
procure the Physic and Physical drugs bought of Mrs. Cosster, 
brought to Guilford and deliver them into the hands of Mr. 
Joseph Elliott for the town's use." 

The first physician of whom there is any notice in the records 
of Guilford, is Bryan Rossiter, or Bray Rossiter as he is some- 
times called. He came from Windsor to Guilford on the de- 
parture of Mr. Samuel Disborough, and was admitted a planter 
in 1 65 1, having purchased Mr. Disborough's large estate. The 
6 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



following list comprises all the regularly educated physicians 
who have practiced in the town : 



Bryan Rossiter, 


died at Guilford, Sept. 30, 1672. 


Anthony Lahore, 


" " " March 19, 1712. 


Nathaniel Rugglcs, 


" " " Oct. 16, 1794, aged 82. 


John Redfield, 


« » " May 16, 18 1 3, " 78- 


Thomas Ruggles Pyncl 


ion, " " " Sept. 10, 1796, " 36. 


Jared Redfield, 


" " " 1821, " 50. 


Seth H. Rogers, 


« " " Feb. 6, iSc7, " 35. 


Lewis Collins, 


removed from Guilford. 


David Marvin, 


'• « to Hackinsack, N. J., 1811. 


Anson Foote, 


" » « May 2, 1841, " 57- 


Elias Shipman, 


removed from Guilford to New Haven. 


Lyman Strong, 


" " " to Hebron and Colchester. 


Joel L. Griihng, 


died at Guilford, June 15, 1825, aged 36. 


Joel Canficld, 


settled ill Guilford 1S24, died April 9, 1877. 


Elisha Hutchinson, 


" " 1838, removed 1849, d.Aug.20, 1862. 


Alvan Talcott, 


1841. 


Gideon Perry Reynolds. 


, " " 1870. 


The following 


physicians have been settled in North Guil- 


ford: 




H OS ford. 


moved away 


David Brooks, 


removed to New York, died Jan. 1826. 


Samuel Fitch, 


" Aug. 8, 1847, aged 71. 


Julius Willard, 


removed to Avon. 


Joel Canfield, 


" to First Society, 1825. 


George Kirtland, 


died Nov. 5, 1825, " 25 


Richard Dennison, 


moved away. 


Justin W. Smith, 


removed to Stony Creek. 



The lands included in the borough, on which the people lirst 
settled (the southern part of a black loam and the northern 
gravelly) are very admirably adapted to the culture of grain, corn, 
and grass. The natural richness of the soil on the great plain 
is much increased by the marine shells which the Indians brought 
upon it and which have been left to decay in the course of ages, 
as is also true of the soil of the other necks and points of land 
towards the sound. The English also made much use of these 
shells, as well as of rockweed, and seaweed ; and the present in- 
habitants more recently have eniployed white fish and other olea- 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 43 

ginous fish in enriching the soil. The reasons have been al- 
ready given why the English selected these lands and confined 
their attention pretty much to them for years. Another circum- 
stance that prevented them from spreading rapidly abroad was 
the fact that they did not understand the proper method of sub- 
duing forests. A law was made quite early that every planter 
should clear up half an acre yearly. This they did at first, as 
was the custom in other parts of Connecticut, by digging up the 
trees by the roots. John Scranton, one of the early settlers, at 
length cleared an acre in a different manner, and astonished the 
people by gathering from it twenty bushels of wheat, and from 
this the practice of clearing the land by cutting down the trees 
spread through the colony. 

A large proportion of the land west of West river and south 
of the post road to New Haven, is poor. Some of it is very 
stony, containing many rocky ledges, and some is swampy, al- 
though more particularly about Leete's island and Sachem's 
bead there are limited tracts of very strong, productive soil 
The soil of Moose hill, a moderate elevation, extending into 
the town of Branford, is well adapted for grazing. The same 
is true of Long hill, extending on the west side of West river 
northward into North Guilford. Clapboard hill, east of the 
borough, running northward between East creek and East river, 
is clayey and fertile, and less liable to injury by drought thai', 
the lands generally in the neighborhood. Most of the other 
lands in the First Society are of an indifferent quality. 

The soil in North Guilford is generally gravelly and better 
adapted to grazing than for the growth of grain, although about 
Bluff head there is some clayey and sandy soil. 

There is nothing in Guilford which merits the name of a 
mountain except the bluff just mentioned. This is the north- 
eastern extremity of Totoket or Branford mountain, which 
extends for several miles into North Guilford, and nearly crosses 



44 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

its northwest corner. The bluff itself is very steep and bold. 
It is the southern extremity of the secondary region of country, 
extending south along both sides of the Connecticut. A high, 
rugged hill, or rather succession of steep and broken basaltic 
cliffs, stretches south along the western shore ofQuonapaugpond, 
terminating in North Guilford. The change in the appearance 
of the country, as you proceed south towards the sea shore, is 
sudden and striking. Instead of the sand hills and the trap- 
rocks of the region just passed, you meet only with the rigid fea- 
tures of granite and gneiss rocks and a hard compact soil, while 
the great plain is of an alluvial character, bearing impressive 
marks of the sea upon it. This is also true of other portions 
along the shore, setting back into the land like bays and harbors. 

Formerly wheat was raised abundantly in this town. The 
First Society has always been famous for the cultivation of corn. 
As much as a hundred bushels have been raised to the acre, and 
instances have occurred of a hundred and ten, but forty bushels 
is considered a good vield. Great quantities of flax were formerly 
raised of a good quality. The other principal productions of 
the land are rye, oats, potatoes and grass, while latterly turnips 
and onions, especially in the borough, have been found to afford 
remunerative crops. 

In consequence of the hilly or stony character of considera- 
ble portions of Guilford, much woodland remains, though this 
is being gradually cleared off for home consumption and export- 
ation as fuel, for rail road ties, rnd for ship timber. Latterly 
anthracite coal has become the principal fuel employed in the 
borough, being delivered at the Guilford harbor at low rates of 
transportation, and it is gradually being introduced instead of 
wood throughout the town. Originally, there were considera- 
ble quantities of cedar, white pine, and whitewood in Guilford, 
but the prevailing kinds of wood now to be found are hickory 
of several varieties, the oaks and chestnut. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 45 

Menunkatuck or West river, repeatedly mentioned in this 
work, rises in Ouonepaug pond in North Guilford, runs south 
and passing along the west border of Guilford borough, empties 
into Guilford harbor. The pond which gives rise to this stream 
is about two miles long from north to south, and from a fourth 
to a half a mile wide. It is said to be sixty feet deep in 
some places. In a spring, a i'ev^ rods above this pond, at the 
foot of BlufF head, a stream rises which runs northward through 
Durham into Middletown, which is also called West river. 

The interval along these streams furnishes a fine location for 
a road constructed as far as Durham street, where the Guilford 
turnpike strikes the road from New Haven to Middletown. 
This turnpike was granted in 1824, and was called the Guilford 
and Durham turnpike. It's length is thirteen and a half miles 
from Guilford green, and seventeen and half miles from Sachem's 
head on the sound. The capital stock of the company was 
$5100, or divided into fifty-one shares of $100 each. 

There has never been any turnpike company formed on the 
great thoroughfare from New Haven to Saybrook, but the road 
has always been very good. 

East creek, a small stream, or rather brook, noticed as the 
eastern boundary of the borough, rises in the limits of the First 
Society and empties into the East river near its mouth. 

East river, or Ruttawoo, rises in several brooks, the principal 
of which is Stillwater brook, in the north and northwestern 
parts of North Madison. It takes a southwestern course and 
discharges its waters into Guilford harbor. Near its mouth are 
two wharves called the Sawpits-quarry wharf and Farmers wharf, 
both convenient for the navigation of the river ; further up are 
the two wharves on the east side of the river at East river bridge, 
which are at the head of sloop navigation. 

Guilford harbor affords but an indifferent station for vessels. 
It has six feet of water on the bar at its entrance at low, and 



46 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

twelve feet at full tide. On the flats adjacent round and long 
clams of a very superior quality are taken by the inhabitants, 
and Guilford oysters, taken from the channel of East river, are 
noted as among the best in Connecticut. Their flavor is pe- 
culiarly agreeable and readily recognized by the epicure. They 
are, hovv'cver, taken in but small quantities and held at a high 
price. Oysters are also taken in West river, but they are of a 
different species and inferior in quality. 

An application was made to congress in 1837 for an appro- 
priation for the building of a breakwater, which would probably 
have been obtained had it not been for the critical condition of 
the commercial affairs of the country, whicli so crippled its re- 
sources that no new harbor im;rovements could be undertaken. 
The application has not been renewed. 

Two miles west of Guilford harbor is a small but good harbor 
land-locked or rather rack- locked on all sides except the southwest 
where the entrance is narrow. This is known as Sachem's 
head. It has a small wharf with considerable depth of water. 
About fifty rods I'rom this stood the celebrated Sachem's Head 
House, which was for manv years a fashionable summer water- 
ing place. The house was large and coiiimodious, adapted for 
the accommodation of several hun'ired guests, and supplied with 
grounds, beautifully laid out for the amusement of visitors, 
l^estroyed by fire in June, 1865, it has not since been rebuilt. 

Sachem's head received its name from '.he memorable battle 
with the Pequots in 1636. A Pequot sachem with a few of his 
men, having crossed th.e Connecticut river, was flying westward. 
In attempting to secrete himself on the point of land south of 
this harbor he was pursued by Uncas, sachem of the Mohegans, 
and his men, aided by some English soldiers. The Pequots 
swam across the moutii of the harbor but were seized as they 
came to the opposite b-.nk. The sachem was ordered to be 
shot. Uncas executed the sentence with an arrow, then cut off 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 47 

his head and stuck it up in the fork of a large oak tree, directly 
at the head of the harbor, where the skull remained for many 
years. 

This harbor was formerly much used as a station for night 
by vessels traversing the sound before light houses were erected, 
especially in the cold and stormy seasons of the year. Before 
the revolutionary war it was also a favorite place for the ship- 
ping of cattle for the West India trade, driven hither not only 
from this town but from towns on the Connecticut river, par- 
ticularly from Middletown. 

A little southwest from this harbor and to the east of Leete's 
island is another, not much used, called Great harbor. It is 
shallow and not convenient for vessels. Formerly shad and 
bass were sometimes caught within its limits in considerable 
quantities in the spring of the year. 

A little east of Sachem's head is a place called Bloody cove, 
where a skirmish occurred and some blood was shed in a battle 
fought between the Indians, before the capture of the Pequot 
sachem just mentioned. This was prior to the settlement of 
Guilford by the English. 

Although the Indians at Guilford removed from the town 
immediately after the purchase from Shaumpishuh, the Indian 
sachem queen, with the exception of some few infirm Indians 
and their families, to whom the privilege of remaining on the 
land of their fatiiers was specially reserved in the original deed, 
yet such were their numbers at Braiifurd and East Haven, that 
the English at Guilford, as well as other towns, were obliged to 
take the precaution of keeping a constant watch for a long 
period, from which none were privileged. Several houses were 
palisaded, the house of worship was guarded on the Sabbath, 
and the people were convened for public service by the beat of 
the drum. Eventually this became a custom and was afterwards 
adopted as a means of convening the people for public worship 



48 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

in East Guilford and North Guilford. A bell was not purchased 
until about 17 15 or 1720, after the second meeting house was 
completed. 

There seems not to have been that hostility between the first 
settlers of Guilford and the Indians which existed in other parts 
of the country, and there are no accounts of skirmishes or battles 
with them in this vicinity, such as occurred so frequently and 
sometimes with such disastrous consequences in other places. 

In 1676, during the memorable war against King Philip, the 
town voted to fortify two houses, one of which was that of their 
clergyman, Mr. Joseph Elliott, on the south west corner of the 
green, and to bear in common all damage done by the enemy. 
Some of the inhabitants were called into actual service in 1685, 
and the town " granted ten acres of land to every soldier that 
served in the Indian war" under Robt. Treat or Mr. John 
Talcott. 

In 1676, it was also agreed in town-meetings which were 
held March 9, 13 and 28, by unanimous votes, that after the 
first day of April then next ensuing, whatever damage should 
come to the housing of any individual, either within or without 
the fortification, should be borne and made up by the town in 
general. 

In 1745, Col. Andrew Ward of Guilford commanded a com- 
pany in the expedition against Louisburg, capital of Cape Breton, 
and some of the inhabitants accompanied him. 

During the second French war, many persons from Guilford 
went into the army, of whom an unusually large number died 
by sickness, though there is no notice of any falling in battle. 
In one campaign, perhaps in more, Gen. Ward, the son of Col. 
Andrew Ward just mentioned, commanded a company, having 
Mr. Enos Bishop of North Bristol as his lieutenant. In another 
campaign. Col. Ichabod Scranton of East Guilford commanded 
a company with Abraham Tyler (afterwards Col. Tyler of 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 49 

Haddam) as his lieutenant. In the revolutionary war several 
attempts were made by the enemy to injure the town.^ In 
June, 1777, the house of Solomon Leete of Sachem's Head was 
burned by a party from a British ship in the sound, whose 
tenders had come into that harbor. On the i8th of June, 
1 78 1, a party of British with some refugees [about 150 men], 
as was supposed, landed [from two brigs and a schooner] at 
Leete's island and burned a house with two barns belonging to 
Daniel Leete, but were prevented from destroying other pro- 
perty by the rallying of the people. In a skirmish, which took 
place at that time, two men, Simeon Leete the head of a family, 
and Ebenezer Hart, were mortally wounded and died soon after. 



' [The following extract, from the Connecticut Journal, contained in Barber's Con- 
necticut Historical Collections, pp. 219-220, gives an account of a military expedi- 
tion from Guilford during the revolutionary war : 

Guilford, May 29th, 1777. 

General Parsons having received intelligence that the enemy had collected, and 
were collecting, large quantities of forage, at Sagharbor, on Long Island, last Friday, 
about 200 of the continental troops who had previously redezvous'd at Sachem's 
Head, in Guilford, embarked on board a number of whale boats, commanded by 
Lieut. Col. Meigs, to destroy it; at about six o'clock, afternoon, they arrived at the 
beach, this side of Plum-gut, and transported their boats about fifty rods, over the 
beach, where they again embarked, and landed several miles from Sag Harbor, where 
(after leaving a suitable guard to protect the boats) they marched with such secrecy, 
as not to be discovered till within a few rods of the sentry ; they soon set about de- 
stroying the forag;, etc. As the enemy stationed there, were entirely off their guard, 
our troups met with little opposition; an armed schooner of twelve guns, which lay 
not far from the shore, kept an incessant fire on them, but happily did them no 
damage. Our people returned the fire with their small arms, but whether with 
effect is not known ; five or six of the enemy on shore, were destroyed, and three 
or four made their escape, the others were made prisoners. Our people set fire to 
the hay (about 100 tons) which was on board transports, and on the wharves, which 
was entirely destroyed, with ten transport vessels, mostly sloops and schooners, and 
one armed vessel of six or eight guns, two or three hogsheads of rum, etc. Our 
troops are all returned, having performed their expedition in 24 hours. 

Return of prisoners taken at Sag Harbor. One captain, two commissaries, three 
sergeants, fifty-three rank and file, ten masters of transports, twenty-seven seamen, in 
the whole ninety-six. Our people brought off fifty muskets. One of the commissaries 
above mentioned, is Mr. Joseph Chew, formerly of New London.] 

7 



so 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



An attempt was made in another instance by the crew of a 
whale boat, to do mischief at Leete's island, but the enemy was 
repulsed by the guard stationed there, and one of their number 
being killed was left dead on the shore. 

The persons who have been just mentioned, viz : Simeon 
Leete and Ebenezer Hart, together with Capt. Phinehas Meigs 
of East Guilford and a Mr. Ludington, who fell at East Haven 
heights, and an Indian who fell in some other part of the 
country, are said to have been the only persons belonging to 
Guilford who were killed in the revolutionary war, although 
quite a number died of exposure and camp-diseases. ' 

[During the recent civil war, Guilford contributed 300 men 
to the national army, of whom sixty laid down their lives before 
its close. In commemoration of their patriotism and bravery. 



I [The whole number of citizens of Guilford who died during the revolutionary 
war, either from wounds received in battle, or from camp-diseases, exposure, etc., 
was twenty. Their names and ages are as follows : 

Timothy Barnes, 32 

David Field, son of David, 48. 



Lewis, . 



William Fairchild, 

Lewis Fairchild, 

Joseph Hotchkin, 

Ebenezer Hart, 

Eber Hall, 

Abner Leete, 

Timothy Ludington. 

Simeon Leete, son of Peletiah, 



17 

" 19 

Thomas, 17 

Thomas, 24 

Hiland, 41 

Roland, 23 



Seth Morse, " John, 

Capt. Jehiel Meigs, " Jehiel, 

Bridgeman Murray, " Jonathan, 

Wait Munger, " John, 

Capt. Phineas Meigs, " John, 

Samuel Stevens, " Nathaniel, Z2. 

Abel Saxton, " Simeon, 20 

Daniel Stone, " Daniel, 40 

William Sabine. 

Samuel Ward, son of Thelus, . 17 



T.] 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 5I 

it is proposed to erect a monument on the village green, for 
which a handsome sum of money has already been secured. 
The corner stone was laid on decoration day, May 30, 1877, 
at which time an appropriate address was delivered by Rev. W. 
H. H. Murray of Boston.] 

Guilford was the third town settled in the ancient colony of 
New Haven, of which it remained a part until its union with 
the colony of Connecticut in 1664. Milford and Guilford 
were both settled during the year 1639, the former in February, 
and the latter in September. Guilford was settled at its com- 
mencement entirely by the followers and personal friends of 
Mr. Desborough and Mr. Whitfield, but in Milford, as in most 
of the other towns, Mr. Prudden brought with him, in addition 
to those who accompanied him from England, many who united 
themselves with his fortunes in this country. Mr. Whitfield 
with his followers were not at the celebrated meeting at Mr. 
Newman's barn in New Haven, June 1639, described by Dr. 
Trumbull, in the History of Connecticut^ and by most others who 
have written of that period of the history of New Haven colony. 
At that meeting the Scriptures were formally acknowledged as 
the rule of procedure in civil as well as ecclesiastical affairs, in 
which all power was lodged in the church, and professors of 
religion only were allowed the privileges of freemen and to hold 
office in the community. These general principles were, how- 
ever, recognized in the rules adopted for the government of 
Guilford. Mr. Desborough, Mr. Leete and Mr. Whitfield did 
not subscribe to the constitution adopted by the New Haveners 
because they did not then consider themselves a part of that 
community, yet thev recognized the same principles in the 
policy of the colony which they founded, and to perpetuate them 
they entered into the compact by which, in 1643, the jurisdic- 
tion of the colony of New Haven was established. The chief 
principle of the " combination," as it was sometimes called, 



52 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

and in which it materially differed from the colony of Connec- 
ticut, was that all power was placed in the hands of the church. 
To this rule no plantation appears to have adhered more rigidly 
than Guilford ; and although the adoption of this mistaken sys- 
tem of policy seems to have occasioned much inconvenience 
and disquiet in Milford, Stamford and Southold, yet none is 
recorded in the records of this plantation. 

It has already been mentioned that the six persons who pur- 
chased the land in behalf of the planters were to hold it in 
trust for them until a church should be formed to whom the 
power should be committed, but in fact until that time only 
four persons were intrusted with civil power, viz : Robt. 
Kitchel, William Chittenden, John Bishop, and William 
Leete, for the administration of justice and the preservation of 
the peace. When the church was formed in 164.3, ^^^ P"''" 
chasers from the Indians accordingly resigned the deed to it, and 
these four persons declared that their power had ceased by the 
formation of the church. It was then expressly agreed that the 
body of freemen should consist of church members only, and 
that they should be the sole electors of magistrates, deputies and 
other officers of importance. Notwithstanding this agreement, 
however, in town meetings called for the purpose of dividing 
lands, constructing roads, etc., all the planters were permitted 
to attend and participate.' 

The government of the New Haven colony, after the forma- 
tion of the jurisdiction or combination in 1643, ""^^^ vested in a 
general court for purposes affecting the whole community, 
which court consisted of two branches ; one composed of the 
governor, deputy governor and three or more magistrates selected 
from those most distinguished for their talents, integrity and 
patriotism, by the general voice of the freemen annually ; the 
other consisting of deputies elected, in some of the towns semi- 
annually, but in Guilford annually, to meet in the spring and 



\ 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. ^^ 

fall of each year. This court, in its collective and public 
capacity, was sometimes called the legislature of the colony, but 
much oftener " the general court for the jurisdiction." 

The supreme executive power, both civil and military, was in 
the hands of the governor and deputy governor, the judiciary in 
that of the governor and the magistrates. Under this general 
government each town had a government of its own, for the 
management of its individual affairs, peculiar to itself. This 
originated from the circumstance that the individual towns, at 
their settlement in 1638-39 and 40, were separate independent 
governments and plantation? by themselves, and, on their uniting 
in a jurisdiction or combination for mutual defence, they re- 
tained their individual forms of government except so far as 
the general policy of the whole was concerned. 

The method by which the rating of the individuals in a town 
was effected, for the support of a plantation and as a part of the 
jurisdiction, was the same as the modern method of assessment, 
and those appointed to make a valuation of the property were 
styled assessors. The method of listing the property, which 
was so long in use afterwards, was borrowed from Connecticut. 

The deputies to assist in the general court for the jurisdiction 
were chosen annually in the month of May or June, and the 
other officers, such as townsmen, plantation magistrates or as- 
sistants, secretary or clerk, treasurer, marshal, assessors, etc. 
were chosen at the same time or at annual meeting held a (ew 
weeks later. The deputies or assistants to the magistrate, who 
sat with him in the particular courts were two, three, and some- 
times four in number. They met with the chief magistrate of 
the plantation, who was also one of the magistrates of the com- 
bination, quarterly on the first Thursday in September, Decem- 
ber, February and May of every year. In these courts the 
presiding magistrate resided in the town. They had cognizance 
of civil matters and lower felonies. Their power extended also 



54 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

originally to the probate of wills, to granting letters of administra- 
tion, and to the division and settlement of estates. The probate 
of wills, etc., was transferred to the judiciary of the combination. 

Mr. Desborough was the first person appointed magistrate for 
Guilford, and his earliest assistants, chosen by the freemen of 
the town, were Wm. Chittenden, Wm. Leete and Robert 
Kitchel, and soon after Mr. John Bishop. Mr. John Jordan 
sometimes supplied the place of one of these, and later Mr. Geo. 
Hubbard and Mr. John Fowler were occasionally chosen. Mr. 
Desborough continued chief magistrate till 1 651, when Mr. 
Wm. Leete was chosen and continued until the union of the 
governments of Connecticut and New Haven. It is said that 
the assistants were confirmed by the legislature, but of this 
there is not any certain proof with regard to Guilford, although 
it seems to have been true of Milford and Stamford. 

One of the rules adopted by the first settlers of Guilford was 
that no man should put more than =£500 into the common stock 
for purchasing and settling the town, and that no man should 
sell or purchase his rights without leave of the town. It was 
further ordered tliat every planter, after paying his proportionate 
share of the expenses arising from buying out and settling the 
plantation, should draw a lot or lots of land in proportion to the 
money or estate expended in the general purchase and the 
number of members in his fa'-nily. These rules were evidently 
intended to prevent too great disparity in the circumstances of 
the people. 

The first settlers were most of them gentlemen of some rank 
and estate in their native country, and came over for the pur- 
pose of enjoying the exercise of their religious feelings in their 
own way, as well as what they considered political and moral 
freedom. For this they were willing to sacrifice all the en- 
dearments and privileges of their native land and to exchange 
the home of their fathers for a distant and uncultivated wilder- 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 55 

ness/ It has often been said that they fled from religious per 
secution and intolerance, and that it was strange that after they 
had experienced so much from this spirit in their own country, 
they should show similar feelings towards the Quakers, and 
others holding sentiments dissimilar to their own, who came 
among them. But a moment's reflection will convince us that 
the course they pursued was not singular. We, living amid all 
the luxuries of cultivated society, and enjoying the freedom and 
homes which they procured for us, are ill-fitted to conceive the 
extent of their sacrifices of not only natural but also civil and 
artificial privileges. They had not only to tame the forest, and 
encounter the wild beast and savage, but also to weave anew 
the bonds of government and bind the broken links of society. 
And it has been truly said that their governments for the first 
fifty years after the settlement of New England, were though 
secure, held together as with a rope of sand which was liable to 
be broken away by the first political disturbance. The New 
Haven colony, indeed, during the whole period of its existence 
as a separate plantation, had no distinct and positive charter as 
a constitution for their government. Besides the first settlers 
fled from their native land, not to escape religious intolerance 



' And who were they, our fathers ?' In their veins 
Ran the best blood of England's gentlemen ; 

Her bravest in the strife on battle plains, 
Her wisest in the strife of voice and pen ; 

Her holiest, teaching, in her holiest fanes. 
The lore that led to martyrdom ; and when 

On this side ocean slept their wearied sails. 

And their toil-bells woke up our thousand hills and dales. 

Shamed they their fathers ? Ask the village spires 
Above their Sabbath homes of praise and prayer; 

Ask of their children's happy household fires. 
And happier harvest noons ; ask summer's air, 

Made merry by young voices, when the wires 

Of their school cages are unloosed." — Halkck'i Connecticut. 



56 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

but to practice their own system of religious and civil freedom 
apart by themselves. A4r. Whitfield's company, on their first 
settlement in Guilford, drafted a constitution for their govern- 
ment, in vi'hich they say that "the mayne ends which wee pro- 
pounded to ourselves in our coming hither and settling down 
together are that wee may settle and uphold the ordinances of 
God in an explicit Congregational church way with most purity^ 
peace and liberty for the benefit both of ourselves and posterities 
after us." Such undoubtedly were the views of most of the 
settlers, civil freedom and religious, to those of their own sect 
who had been so much persecuted in England. They were 
willing to leave their homes and friends for this purpose, and 
for this too they were willing to take up a part of the desolate 
wilderness far away from civilized society, but in exchange they 
promised to themselves that they would form for themselves a 
home of their own in which those of similar views might have 
a home and society, and hence they left the other portions of 
the wilderness, without their own territorial limits, to those dis- 
senters, who suff^ered similar intolerance to that which they had 
suffered in their own country but whose opinions and sentiments 
differed from theirs. For this reason, as has been said, they 
provided in the language of the constitution just quoted and 
added. " We do now therefore all and every of us agree, 
order and conclude that only such planters as are also mem- 
bers of the church here shall be and be called freemen, and that 
such freemen only shall have power to elect magistrates, depu- 
ties and other officers of public interest, or authority in matters 
of importance concerning either the civil affairs or government 
here from amongst themselves and not elsewhere and to take an 
account of all such officers for the honest and faithful discharge 
of their several places respectively," thereby making their gov- 
ernment strictly republican and making those in office directly 
responsible to the freemen collectively. That justice might be 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 57 

speedily administered, they further agreed that the judges should 
check all crimes and misdemeanors immediately. And that 
they might bind themselves together under this constitution, 
which they had formed, and which certainly contains many of 
the best principles of our present palladium of liberty, they 
further agreed freely to submit themselves to the magistrates, 
deputies and other officers to be chosen " yearly from time to 
time," providing also that no laws or orders be by them made 
except before all the planters then and there inhabiting and resid- 
ing [whether freemen or not] due warning and notice of the 
meeting being made, so that what is to be done may be under- 
stood and known, that thus all weighty objections may be duly 
alluded to and considered, and according to righteousness satis- 
fyingly removed. And it was afterwards concluded and ordered 
that in all general courts (consisting of the magistrates and de- 
puties who were also appointed to keep particular courts) all 
orders shall be made by the major part of the freemen, and all 
actions in particular courts shall be sentenced by the major vote 
of the magistrate and deputies, except that the magistrate have a 
casting vote when equally divided. From which it appears that 
they were willing that dissenters of any other sect should settle 
in the new country which they had chosen, provided they would 
not interfere with their individual policy. They had been per- 
secuted and driven from their native country because they were 
Congregationalists and Puritans, and they wished to enjoy their 
sentiments here unmolested by those who had no sentiments in 
common with them, who endeavored to destroy the religious 
and political bonds by which they had bound their new society 
and government together. 

They wished also, and they succeeded with no inconsidera- 
ble success, in transmitting their principles to their posterity. 
Doctor Dwight says in his Travels (vol. ii, p. 514), " that the 
inhabitants of this town more than most others in this state have 



58 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

retained the ancient manners of the New England colonists 
Parents are regarded by their children with a peculiar respect 
derived not only from their domestic government and persona 
character, but in a considerable degree from the general state of 
manners. Old people are in a similar degree revered by the 
young, and laws and magistrates at large. Private contentions 
have heretofore been rarely known, and lawsuits so rare tiiat no 
lawyer till lately has ever been able to acquire a living in town. 
The weight of public opinion has been strongly felt, and diffused 
a general dread of vice." No inhabitant has ever suffered 
capital punishment. 

Paupers were formerly distributed about in different families, 
where they were boarded at the expense of the town. About 
1795, the practice was adopted of employing a family to take 
them all in a body into a house and to provide for them, charging 
for the articles consumed. In 1814, a building with a lot of 
land was purchased in the west part of the borough, with a 
view to the forming of an alms house establishment, for 
$1600; which sum with that required to build an addition to 
the house amounted to $2080. In this house the poor of the 
town, varying from twenty-five to thirty in number, were 
supported until the division of the town. A family was procured 
to live in the house to take charge of the paupers, the cost being 
somewhat under one thousand dollars per year. By this arrange- 
ment there was a saving of some hundreds of dollars annually. 
Upon the division of the town, the public property was also 
divided, and Guilford took the town mill, while the alms 
house building fell to the share of Madison. After this division 
the poor were kept for some years in private families. [In 
1850, however, a house and lot, east of the village, were pur- 
chased from the heirs of Timothy Seward, at a cost of ^1,650, 
and an alms house for the town paupers was reestablished. 
The building, becoming dilapidated and in great need of repairs, 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 59 

was sold, and the present alms house purchased for $i,8oo, 
in 1868, from the heirs of George Parmelee.] 

A system of public policy for the regulation of the govern- 
ment and the civil affairs of the town does not appear to have 
been established until the church was gathered, " the nineteenth 
day of the fourth month, 1643," or according to the modern 
mode of reckoning, June 19, O. S., or June 29, 1643, N. S., 
and until that day, as previously stated, power of all kinds was 
provisionally vested in the hands of Robert Kitchel, William 
Chittenden, John Bishop and William Leete, or in the language 
of the constitution before mentioned " into their hands we did 
put full power and authority to act, order and dispatch all matters 
respecting the public weale and civile government of the planta- 
tion until a church was gathered among us, which the Lord in 
mercy having now done according to the desire of our hearts, 
the said four men at the public meeting having resigned up their 
trust as most safe and suitable for securing of those mayne ends 
for which we come hither, " thereupon the civil polity of the 
plantation was formed. 

The earliest record was written Aug. 14, 1645. This is on 
the first page of the Records, vol. A, and is a minute of the 
doings of the particular or general court holden that day, and 
reads as follows : 

"August 14, 1645. 

"• Mr. Samuel Disbrow, Richard Bristow, Thomas 

" Betts, members of the church, and Thomas P'rench, 

" planter, took their oath " 
from vyhich it appears that but little had been previously reduced 
to record, for Samuel Desborough had always been the magistrate 
of the plantation from its very commencement. The following 
minutes on the records after this, relate to some decision of the 
court and to the affairs of the mill : 

" At u court held January 8, 1645-6. It was ordered 



6o HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

that all men shall bring in from time to time, and/or 
the time past., all sales, exchanges and conveyances of 
land to the next general court or courts held in this 
town after such sales or exchanges, that so what is 
done may remain for the benefit of posterity and the 
better preservation of the peace." 
And afterwards the exchanges and deeds are mentioned merely 
and approved by the court until April lo, 1648, when a book of 
terryers of land was ordered to be kept and every individual in 
the town ordered to bring in a list of the land owned by him as 
well as house lots or out lots that a record might be made. 
The title of the book is as follows, viz : 
" A booke of the Terryers 
of all the divided lands in Guilford 
according as they were at first divided 
whether by lots or otherwise upon 
request of particular persons or upon 
what considerations were thus 
disposed together with all the 
alienations which have since 
been made by purchase 
gift or exchange as 
Dated Apr. the folioweth, viz." 

10, Ano 1648. 

And on the same title page is the following note, viz : 
" Whatever is set down in the book with 
a date or without mention of the date is 
confirmed unto the person under wiiom 
it is recorded as a first grant [or lot] to him 
and allowed as unquestionable title to the 
said lands for him and his heirs forever 
unless an act be recorded 
expressing particularly the alienation 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



6i 



of all or any parts or parcel of the 
same and bearing date since the 
first date of the book aforesaid." 

The first record is of the terryer of Mr. Samuel Disborough, 
the chief magistrate, beginning, as is the case with all the others, 
with a description of his house lot, or home lot, as it is often 
called, and next of the arable land adjoining, next of marsh land. 
This land of Mr. Disborough according to the record was the 
lot now occupied by Mr. Ebenezer Redfield. It appears by 
this record that these lands were sold to Doct. Bryan Rossiter 
and the sale approved by the town Oct. lo, 165 1, and they de- 
scended to Josiah Rossiter, afterwards town clerk and one of 
the magistracy and council, March ii, 1672. This terryer 
occupies several pages and specifies the whole terryer of Josiah 
Rossiter and all the conveyances and terryers to him or his 
father Doct. Rossiter. 

The next record is to Mr. William Chittenden, and is simi- 
larly arranged, occupying four pages. 

These records contain the names of all the first settlers who 
were living in 1648, or who, having died, left heirs. They are 
commenced in the handwriting of Gov. Leete and continued in 
that of the subsequent town clerks. The record of each parcel 
of land as set to the different individuals is very short, not usu- 
ally more than from four to six lines. This book is called the 
first volume of the proprietors' records. 

As there was no public record of the purchases of the lands 
from the Indians, the general court ordered, the next year, that 
such a record should be made. The first volume of the town 
records mentioned was first devoted to the registry of the doings, 
trials, pleadings and decisions of the particular courts, the meet- 
ings of the general courts of elections and the registry of ear- 
marks, marriages and deaths, but not of deeds at full length, the 
constitution of the colony, and other more lengthy writings. 



62 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

The second book, called and entitled, Guilford Booke of the 
more fixed Orders for the Plantation, therefore was ordered to 
be kept, and it commences thus, viz : 

" January 31st 1649 " — ['• ^- according to our reckoning 
1650.] 
" Upon a review of the more fixed agreements, 
" laws & orders formerly & from time to time made 
"The General Court here held the day & year aforesaid 
"thought fit agreed and established them according 
" to the Ensuing draft as followeth, viz — 
" first we do acknowledge, ratify, confirm and allow 
the agreement made in Mr. Newman's barn at Quil- 
lipeack now called New Haven, that the whole lands 
called Menunkatuck should be purchased for us and 
our heirs, but the deed, writings thereabout to be made 
and drawn (from the Indians) in the name of these 
six planters in our steads viz. Henry Whitfield, 
Rob' Kitchell, William Leete, William Chittenden, 
John Bishop and John Caffinge, notwithstanding all 
and every planter shall pay his proportionable part or 
share towards all the charges and expenses for pur- 
chasing, selling, securing or carrying on the necessary 
public affairs of this plantation according to such rule 
and manner of rating as shall be from time to time 
agreed on in this plantation." "The drafts of which 
purchase or writing are as followeth viz." And then 
follows a copy of the deed from the sachem squaw, a like copy 
of the deed from Uncas of the east part of the town this side of 
Tuxis pond, next the letter of gift from Mr. George Fenwick 
of Saybrook of the land between the grant of Uncas and Ham- 
monassett river to the town and Mr. Whitfield in particular, 
and Mr. Whitfield's grant of his share to the town on his leav- 
ing the plantation in 1651, etc. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 63 

The letter of Mr. Fenwick about Hammonassett is recorded 
at full length, and displays much of the character and firmness 
of the original Puritans and their fellow-feeling for each other. 
It contains a part of the original conveyance of Uncas the 
Mohegan to him, that is, that part which lies between Tuxis 
pond and the Hammonassett river, now forming and included 
in the eastern part of Madison. 
The original letter is as follows : 

Mr. Leet : I have been often moved, by Mr. 
Whitfield to enlarge the bounds of your plantation 
which otherwise, he told me, could not comfortably 
subsist, unto Athammonassett river; to gratify so 
good a friend and to supply your wants I have yielded 
to his request, which according to his request by this 
bearer I signify to you for your own and the planta- 
tion's better satisfaction, hoping it will be a means 
fully to settle such who for want of fit accommoda- 
tion begun to be wavering amongst you, and I would 
commend to your consideration one particular which 
I conceive might tend to common advantage, and that 
is, when you are all suited to your present content, 
you will bind yourselves more strictly for continuing 
together ; for however in former times (while chap- 
men and money were plentiful) some have gained by 
removes, yet in these latter times it doth not only 
weaken and discourage the plantation deserted, but also 
wastes and consumes the estates of those that remove. 
Rolling stones gather no moss in these times, and 
our conditions now are not to expect great things. 
Small things, nay moderate things, should content us, 
a warm fireside and a peaceable habitation with the 
chief of God's mercies, the gospel of peace, is no ordi- 
nary mercy though other things were mean. I in- 



64 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

tended only one word, but the desire of the common 
good and settlement hath drawn me a little further. 
For the consideration Mr. Whitfield told me you 
were willing to give me for any purchase, I leave it 
wholly to yourselves. I look not to my own profit but 
to your comfort. Only one thing I must entreat you 
to take notice of, that when I understood that that 
land might be useful for your plantation, I did desire 
to express my love to Mr. Whitfield and his children, 
and therefore offered him to suit his own occasions, 
which he, more intending your common advantage than 
his own particular, hath hitherto neglected, yet my 
desire now is that you would suit him to his content, 
and that he would accept of what shall be allotted 
him as a testimony of my love intended to him, before 
I give up any interest to your plantation, and that 
therefore he may hold it free from charge as I have 
signified to himself. I will not now trouble you fur- 
ther but with my love to yourself and plantation rest, 

Your loving friend and neighbor, 
Seabrooke, Oct. 22d, 1645. George Fenwick. 

If you consider John Mepham for his wife's sake 
and for mine, I shall take it kindly. 

Mr. Whitfield, as has been stated before, sold out his right in 
the Hammonassett land, Aug. 20, 1650, to the plantation for £20. 

All these records are in the handwriting of Gov. Leete. But 
a deed from Weekwash of the land in the Neck, September 
20, 1 64 1, to Mr. Whitfield (covering nearly the same grounds 
as the subsequent dee-.l from Uncas, December 17, 1641), and 
the constitution of the plantation which follows, are in a hand- 
writing different from that of Mr. Leete, and remarkably hand- 
some for those times. It is supposed to have been written by 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 65 

Mr. Whitfield. The deed of the sachem squaw, Shaumpishuh, 
seems to have had less formality than the deed of Uncas, and 
is as follows : 



" The purchase from the Sachem Squaw. 

" Articles of agreement made and agreed on the 
29th of September, 1639 [O. S., October 9, 1639, 
N.S.] between Henry Whitfield, Robt. Kitchel, 
William Chittenden, Wm. Leete, John Bishop and 
Jno. Caffinch, English planters of Menunkatuck and 
the sachem squaw of Menunkatuck together with the 
Indian inhabitants of Menunkatuck as folioweth : 

Firstly, that the sachem squaw is the sole owner, 
possessor and inheritor of all the lands lying between 
Ruttawoo and Ajicomick river. 

Secondly, that the said sachem squaw with the con- 
sent of the Indians there inhabiting [who are all 
together with herself to remove from thence] doth 
sell unto the foresaid English planters all the lands 
lying within the aforesaid limits of Ruttawoo and 
Ajicomick river. 

Thirdly, that the said sachem squaw having re- 
ceived twelve coats, twelve fathom of wampum, 
twelve glasses [mirrors], twelve pairs of shoes, twelve 
hatchets, twelve pairs of stockings, twelve hoes, four 
kettles, twelve knives, twelve hats, twelve porringers, 
twelve spoons, two English coats, professeth herself 
to be fully paid and satisfied. 

John Higginson, "(witnesses T Sachem Squaw, her mark. 

Robt. Newman,] '' <^ Henry Whitfield, in the 

( name of the rest. 

This deed including all the land between Stony creek or 
Ajicomick, and Ruttawoo or East river, from the sea northward, 
9 



66 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



and the deeds of Weekwash and Uncas aforementioned, which 
last seem to include nearly the same territories as the convey- 
ance of Mr. Fenwick before mentioned, which originally came 
from Uncas, seem to include all the limits of the old town of 
Guilford, that is from Stony creek aforesaid to Hammonassett 
river. The descriptions of the land conveyed in the deed from 
Uncas are more at length and are as follows : 

Articles of agreement made and agreed upon the 17th 
day of Dec. 1 64 1, between Henry Whitfield, Robert 
Kitchel, Wm. Chittenden, Wm. Leete, John Bishop, 
John Caffinch, John Jordan and the rest of the Eng- 
lish planteis of Menunkatuck and Uncas the Mohe- 
gan sachem as followeth, viz : 

Imprimis. That Uncas, the Mohegan sachem afore- 
said is the right true and sole owner, possessor and 
inheritor of all those lands lying between the East 
river of Menunkatuck called Moosamattuck, consisting 
of uplands, plainlands, woods and underwoods, fresh 
and salt marshes, rivers, ponds, springs, with the ap- 
purtenances belonging to any of the said lands and the 
river, brookeor creeke, called Tuckshishoagg near unto 
Muttomonossuck which belong to Uncas or any other 
Indians. And that he the said Uncas hath absolute 
and independent power to alien, dispose and sell all 
and every part of the said lands together with the 
island which lyeth in the sea before the said lands 
called by the English Falcon island, and by the Indians 
Messanaumuck. 

Secondly. That the said Uncas doth covenant with 
the said English planters of Menunkatuck aforesaid 
that he hath not made any former gift or grant, sale 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 67 

or alienation of the said lands or any part of them to 
any person or persons whatsoever, and that he will 
warrant the same and make good the title thereof to 
the said English planters and their heirs against all 
men whatsoever whether Indians or others. 

Thirdly. The said Uncas for and in consideration 
of four coats, two kettles, four fathoms of wampum, 
four hatchets, three hoes, now in hand paid or to be 
paid, doth bargain and sell unto the foresaid English 
planters of Menunkatuck all and every part of par- 
ticulars formerly mentioned lying between the East 
river of Menunkatuck and Tuckshishoagg as is 
aforesaid, to them and their heirs forever, by whatso- 
ever they are or have been usually called, with all the 
rights, privileges or royalties of fishing. And that it 
shall not be lawful for the said Uncas or any of his 
men, or any others for him, to set any trapps for deer 
in the said lands or any wares in the rivers for to catch 
fish, but to leave it wholly to the use and possession 
of the English planters aforesaid, so far as our bounds 
hereafter to be set out doth limit them. 

Fourthly. In that divers Indians have seemed to lay 
claims to these lands aforesaid, as the sachem squaw 
of Quillipiack and Weekwosh through her right, the 
one-eyed squaw of Totoket and others. To this he 
saith that he hath spoken with all the Indians of Quilli- 
piack, together with the sachem squaw, the one-eyed 
squaw and the rest, and they do all acknowledge that 
the right of the said land now sold by Uncas is Uncas 
his child's. He reporteth also that Weekwosh did 
confess to him that this land aforesaid did belong to his 
child. There were also at the agreement-making two 
sachems, the name of the one was Ashawmutt, the 



68 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Other Nebeserte, who also affirmed the same that 
Uncas his child was the true heir of said lands. 

The bounds of this land which we have purchased 
is as followeth, viz., from the East river to Tuckshi- 
shoagg by the seaside from the lesser river as it goes 
as far as the marsh which is near the head which we 
judge to be eight miles off, from the East 

river where the Connecticut path goes over half a mile 
above the said place where we go over on a bridge or 
tree lying over, from thence it goes up east and by north 
in the woods, which bounds he is by promise to set out 
to us in the Spring. Uncas or Poquiam his mark. 

Henry Whitfield, ~) Uncas squaw, her mark. 
Samuel Disborow, )■ witnesses. 
John Jordan. j 

We the planters of Mennunkatuck aforesaid do 
covenant with Uncas or Poquiam that if at any time 
any inconvenience or annoyance at any time shall 
arise to the English planters of Menunkatuck by the 
misdemeanors or evil dealings of the Indians which 
are his men or from himself, they shall and will at all 
times come to the English upon notice given them and 
make them such satisfaction as the English shall re- 
quire according to right, and if any of the English 
planters of Menunkatuck shall do any wrong to him 
or any other Mohegan Indians under his Government, 
upon complaint made to the English Magistrates and 
officers there shall be made just satisfaction by them 
according to right. 

William Leete, Secretary. 

The purchase deed from Weekwosh was made a short time 
before this by Mr. Whitfield alone, and is as follows, viz : 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 69 

" The purchase from Weekwosh." 
Be it known by these presents that I Weekwosh of 
Pasquishunk do give unto Henry Whitfield all the 
land called the Neck lying beyond the East river in 
Menunkatuck which reacheth unto Tuckshishoagg 
with all the profits that do belong to the said ground. 
In witness of which bargain ^ Weekwosh,' his mark. 
John Jordan, I 

Samuel Disborow, [ 

Thomas Jordan. J 

Memorandum before these witnesses : Weekwosh 
did avow himself to be the right owner of this land 
and that he had true right unto it as given him by the 
sachem squaw of Quillipiag. 

A frieze coate, a blanket, an Indian coate, one fad- 
dom of Dutchman's coate, a shirt, a pair of stockings, 
a pair of shoes, a faddom of wampum. In lieu of 
such things repaid by the town these are to witness 



' Wequash, sachem of the Niantic Indians in Connecticut, died at an early period 
after the settlement of Lyme, and is buried at the Christian Indian burying ground 
on the west side of the bay near the mouth of the Niantic river. His memorial 
stone says, " He was the first convert among the New England tribes." This may 
be a mistake. * * * Mr. Shepard wrote concerning this Pequot : " Wequash, 
the famous Indian at the river's mouth is dead and certainly in heaven. He knew 
Christ, he loved Christ, he pre.iched Christ up and down, and then suffered mar- 
tyrdom for Christ." — Alien s American Biographiicai Dictionary. 

" One Wequash Cook, an Indian, living about Connecticut river's mouth, and 
keeping much at Saybrook with Mr. Fenwick, attained to good knowledge of the 
things of God and salvation by Christ, so as he became a preacher to other Indians, 
and labored much to convert them, but without any effect, for within a short time 
he fell sick, not without suspicion of poison from them, and died very comfortably." — 
Sa-vage's TVintljrop^s Nczv England, 11, 74. 

Capt. Israel Stoughton, August 14, 1637, writes to Gov. Winthrop: "For Wequash, 
we fear he is killed ; and if he be, 'tis a mere wicked plot, and, seeing he showed 
faithfulness to us, and for it is so rewarded, it is hard measure to us-ward j and what 
is meet to be done therein, is difficult to me to conclude : I shall therefore desire 
your speedy advice." — Savage's ff^inthrof's New England^ i, 400. 



70 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

that I Henry Whitfield do freely give and make over 
all that right and title to the Neck of land expressed 
in this writing being given or sold by Weekwash the 
Indian unto me, to the town of Guilford to the use of 
them and their heirs. In witness hereof I have sett 
to my hand the 20th of September, Anno 1650. 

Henry Whitfield. 

A reservation was appended to the first deed from the sachem 
squaw in words as follows, viz : 

" The names of the Indians that are to sit down at . 
Ruttawoo [East river] Suksqua, Quissuckquonoh his 
wife and two children, Commonasnock, Aquaihamish 
a blind Indian, Chamish a dumb old man and his wife, 
Aiasomut, his wife and two children, Meishunok, his 
wife and two children, Pauquun, his wife, one child, 
Mequunhut and his one child, Koukesliihu, his wife 
and two children, Metuckquashish and his one child 
Ponaim, Wantumbeourn and his one child, Assoweion 
and his one wife. 

William Leete, Sec. 

These deeds conveyed all the rights of the Indians to the 
land along the sea and extending back by indefinite bounds, ex- 
cept the deed from Uncas which extended from the sea north 
to where the original Connecticut path goes. The deed from 
Uncas to Mr. Fenwick being on the Saybrook records — this 
left the north part of the town subject to the claims of the 
Indians, descendants of the sachem squaw, Weekwosh and 
others. 

On the 13th of January, i66|, Mr. Wm. Leete and Samuel 
Kitchel purchased of Uncas and his son Ahaddon, all the land 
lying north of Uncas' previous grants to the north boundary of 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 7I 

the town, and at a town-meeting, March 11, i66|, Mr. Leete 
propounded the purchase of the land beyond the East river which 
Mr. Leete and Samuel Kitchel bought of Uncas, whether the 
town will have it and pay the price of it, and the town in the 
same meeting declared that they would have it and pay the price 
for it." Vol. 5, page 20. 

This deed is recorded in vol. 6 at the back part, and is as 
follows, viz : 

" A deed of Sale from Uncas." 
Witness this writing made betwixt William Leete 
and Samuel Kitchel on the one part and Uncas the 
Mohegan and his son Ahaddon, alias Joshua, on the 
other part, that we the said Uncas and Ahaddon, being 
the rightful heirs and possessors of all the lands roy- 
alties and privileges betwixt the East river of Guilford 
and Athammonassett river, and having sold most part 
of that land to Mr. Fenwick and unto Guilford men 
long since, i.e., all beneath Connecticut path to the 
seaside, for valuable considerations already had and 
received, do now of our freewill bargain and sell all 
the rest of the lands royalties and privileges to us be- 
longing, which land runs half way to Matowepesack, 
which right came to us by Uncas' marriage of the 
daughter of Sebequenach who dwelt at Athammonas- 
sett, and she was mother to the said Ahaddon. We 
say these lands rights royalties and privileges we do 
sell and deliver up unto the said William Leete and 
Samuel Kitchel to them and their heirs forever for 
and in consideration of an Indian coat worth thirty 
shillings and a shirt cloth worth ten shillings now had 
and received of the said William Leete and Samuel 
Kitchel : in testimony of the truth of all the premises 



72 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



well interpreted and understood by us we have set to 
our hands this 13th of January 1663. 

It was after the former 
writing agreed that Uncas or 
his son shall have leave to 
hunt in fit seasons within these 
tracts observing the directions 
of the said English and doing 
no hurt to them or their cattle. 
Dated January 13, 1663. 



In the presence 
of 

Thomas Chittenden 
John Chittenden, 
Andrew Leete. 



The mark of Uncas ] Mohegan 
Sachem 

I 



The mark of Ahaddon 




alias Joshua. 



Recorded by Josiah Rossiter 

Tiie above marks are rough facsimiles of rough imitations of 
a turtle as the mark of Uncas and a deer as the mark of Ahaddon. 

The reader will probably be reminded of the allusion of the 
novelist Cooper in The Last of the Mohicans to this emblem 
of the tribe, when he speaks of it as the noblest among the In- 
dian tribes, and as commanding peculiar respect when seen by 
the scattered relics of that once powerful tribe. 

Afterwards the inhabitants not being fully satisfied with the 
title derived from Shaumpishuh the sachem squaw, at a town- 
meeting, January 5, 1686, " there was chosen as a committee 
Mr. Andrew Leete, Thomas Meacock, Sergt. Stephen Bradley, 
and Josiah Rossiter to treat with an Indian called Nausup be- 
longing to New Haven, or any other Indian or Indians laying 
claim to some part of our town bounds ; and if the said committee 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 73 

come to see and find the said Indian or Indians to be proper 
heirs of or to the sachem squaw formerly of Menunkatuck that 
the said committee are to bargain with the said Indian or Indians 
for the tract of land lying on the west side of our bounds for a 
settlement, and that if a deed of sale be made by the said Indian 
or Indians to the committee above appointed in their names in 
behalf of all the planters of Guilford they shall bear the charge 
and expense of the purchase." Guilford Records, vol. B, page 
105. Accordingly the said committee on the 2d day of Feb., 
1686, procured the following deed from the said Nausup alias 
Quatabacot as follows, viz : 

" A deed of sale from Nausup. 

Articles of agreement made and agreed upon the 
second day of Feb^^, in the year 1686, between An- 
drew Leete, Thomas Meacock, Stephen Bradley, and 
Josiah Rossiter of Guilford on the one part, and Qua- 
tabacot alias Nausup, Indian, of New Haven on the 
other part. The above said Quatabacot being son 
and heir to a sachem squaw formerly belonging to 
Guilford, which said squaw was the whole and sole 
proprietor of all the lands lying between a place for- 
merly called Agicomook now called Stony creek on 
the western part, and Ruttawoo now called the East 
river on the eastern part in Guilford and so running 
from the sea up northerly unto Pesuckapaug which is 
at the north part of the bounds of Guilford, which said 
sachem squaw hath formerly sold a considerable part 
of the above mentioned tract of land unto the planters 
of Guilford, as will appear more fully by a written deed 
of sale from said sachem squaw dated the 29th of 
September in the year 1639. 

Know all men therefore by these presents that 
10 



74 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Quatabacot alias Nausup above named Indian of New 
Haven being heir to the above named sachem squaw 
and so right owner of all the remainder of the above 
mentioned tract of land, the said Quatabacot doth now 
fully confirm and ratify what his said mother hath 
formerly sold as above said, and he doth now for and 
in consideration of the sum of sixteen pounds mer- 
chant's pay, and 12 shillings in money in hand truly 
paid as he doth hereby acknowledge the receipt and 
thereof and therefrom doth acquit & discharge the 
above mentioned party & for divers other good causes 
and considerations him thereunto especially moving, 
here and by these presents doth grant bargain sell alien 
infeoflF confirm and make over unto the above said 
Andrew Leete, Thomas Maycock, Stephen Bradley 
and Josiah Rossiter, in the behalf of them and all the 
planters of Guilford, and to their heirs and assigns for 
ever all the remainder part of the above mentioned 
tract of land which lyeth adjoining unto the former 
purchase of lands which were bought of the above 
mentioned sachem squaw and so now both purchases 
lying or adjoining together as it lyeth, bounded by the 
sea on the south, by Stony creek on the west, and so 
running up on the west side of the west pond, and 
from thence to the east side of Pesuckapaug pond 
about half a mile eastward of the said pond at the west 
side of a high hill there, and easterly by the East river 
and so adjoining to a purchase formerly bought of 
Uncas sachem of Mohegans running up on the east 
side, also as high as Pesuckapaug, this to have and to 
hold with all and singular rights, privileges, advantages 
and appurtenances whatsoever, together with all up- 
lands, meadows, swamps, river, brooks and ponds of 



HISTORY OF G^JILFORD. 



75 



all sorts whatsoever, and the said Quatabacot doth 
hereby covenant to and with the party above nantied, 
that they and their heirs and assigns shall peaceably 
and quietly hold and enjoy the said premises without 
any manner of lett, molestation, disturbance, challenge 
claim or demand whatsoever, either by the said Qua- 
t:ibacot his heirs or any under him laying claim or 
pretending to any right to any part of lands or any 
privileges within the bounds or limits of the township 
of Guilford wiiatsoever : and before signing, the In- 
dians here named doth testify that the said Quatabacot 
is the true heir unto the above named sachem squaw, 
and that the said squaw, mother to the said Quata- 
bacot was the sachem squaw of Menunkatuck who 
formerly sold a part of the land of Guilford to the 
planters thereof. They also testify that the said 
Quatabacot's sister called Sbambisqua has no right to 
any part of land within the bounds of Guilford and 
that the said Quatabacot is the true proprietor to the 
lands above mentioned to be hereby bargained and 
sold as above. To the true performance of all the 
premises above mentioned the said Quatabacot doth 
hereunto set his hand and seal dated the 2d dav of 
February in the year of our Lord 1686, which is the 
second year of our majesty's reign — James the 2d. 
Quatabacot alias 

Nausup his mark 

Signed scaled and de- Memorandum 

livered in the pre- Liberty of hunting 

sence of us fishing and fowling 

Thomas Trowbridge, | on agreement is 

Joseph Pardy. / reserved to the said 

Nausump ; ivind Sen., Indians with the 



"jS HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

The Father his mark — regulations of the 
Naushuter [ his mark English. 

Keyhow X his mark 
Alias James the Brother. 

On the day and year above written appeared before 
me, the said Quatabacot alias Nausup and the above 
written deed being distinctly read and interpreted to 
him and the Indians present, he said he well under- 
stood the substance of every clause of it, and the Indian 
witnesses said the same, and then he the said Ouata- 
bacot alias Nausup having made his mark and affixed 
his seal did freely acknowledge this to be his act and 
deed as above written before me, 

William Jones, assistant of His 

Majesty's Colony of Connecticut. 
Recorded, per Josiah Rossiter, Recorder. 
This conveyance completes a full title of all and every part 
of the ancient town of Guilford from the original Indian pro- 
prietors. 

The town seems to have rested satisfied with the title they 
acquired to their lands by their purchase from the Indians, and 
from Mr. Fenwick of Hammonassett, during the time of their 
connexion with New Haven and afterwards until the act of the 
legislature of Connecticut passed October session 1684 requiring 
all the towns to take out charters from the government &c., when 
a committee was appointed to consider the matter and draw 
something of their judgment about it for the town's considera- 
tion, Aug. 12, 1685, and at a subsequent meeting held the 4th of 
November, 1685, it was voted by the planters that they did de- 
sire twelve men as patentees in behalf of all the planters to be 
nominated in the town's patent, and it was also voted in the 
same meeting who the twelve men as patentees shall be. And 
Mr. Andrew Leete and Mr. William Leete, Lieut. William 



HISTORY OF CxUILFORD. 77 

Seward, Josiah Rossiter, Deacon William Johnson and Deacon 
^/^■-" William Grave, Mr. Thomas Meacock and Sergt. Stephen 
Bradley were chosen a committee according to the best of their 
ability to search the town records and do all things they shall 
judge necessary to prepare what shall be needful in and about 
the town's patent ; that is, to furnish the secretary with what is 
needful for the premises." The charter was accordingly ob- 
tained as appears by its date the jth of December 1685, and at 
a subsequent town meeting held the 9th of February 1685, 
" the town voted that it should be kept by Andrew Leete, Wm. 
Seward and Josiah Rossiter for the town's use." It is as fol- 
lows, viz : 

Whereas, as the General Court of Connecticut have 
formerly granted unto the proprietors, inhabitants of 
the town of Guilford, all those lands both meadow and 
upland within these abutments viz. at the sea on the 
south and on Branford bounds on the west, and be- 
ginning at the sea by a heap of stones at the root of a 
marked tree near Lawrence's meadow and so runs to 
the head of the cove to a heap of stones there, and 
thence to a heap of stones lying on the west side of 
Crooper hill at the old path by the brook, and thence 
northerly to a place commonly called piping tree to a 
heap of stone lying at the new path, and from thence 
to a heap of stones lying at the east end of that which 
was commonly called Rosses meadow, and from thence 
to a heap of stones lying at the south end of Pesucka- 
paug pond, and so runs into the pond a considerable 
way to the extent of their north bounds which is from 
the sea ten miles, and it abuts on the wilderness north 
and runs from the last station in the pond east to the 
most westerly branch of Hammonassett river and on 
the east it abuts on the bounds of Kennilworth and 



7^ HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

runs from the last station as that stream runs southerly 
until the said stream or river falls into the sea on the 
east of East end point, the said land having been by 
purchase or otherwise lawfully obtained of the Indian 
natives proprietors ; and whereas the proprietors, in- 
habitants of Guilford in the colony of Connecticut, 
have made application to the governor and company 
of said colony of Connecticut assembled in court May 
25th, 1685, that they may have 3. patent for confirma- 
tion of the aforesaid land to them so purchased and 
granted to them as aforesaid and which they have 
stood seized and quietly possessed of for many years 
last past without interruption : now for a more full con- 
firmation of the aforesaid tracts of land as it is butted 
and bounded aforesaid unto the present proprietors of 
the township of Guilford, — 

Know ye that the said governor and company as- 
sembled in General Court according to the commis- 
sion granted to them by his majesty in his charter 
have given granted and by these presents do give grant 
ratify and confirm unto Andrew Leete Esquire, Mr. 
Josiah Rossiter, Lieut. William Seward, Deacon Wil- 
liam Johnson, Deacon John Graves, Mr. John Col- 
lins, Mr. John Stone, Mr. Stephen Bishop, Sergt. 
Daniel Hubbard, Mr. Abraham Cruttenden, Sergt. 
John Chittenden and Mr. John Meigs and the rest 
of the said present proprietors of the township of 
Guilford, their heirs, successors and assigns forever, 
the aforesaid tract and parcel of land as it is butted 
and bounded, together with all the wood uplands and 
meadows, pastures, ponds, waters, rivers, islands, fish- 
ings, huntings, fowlings, mines, minerals, quarries and 
precious stones, upon or within the said tract of land 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 79 

and all other profits and commodities thereunto be- 
longing or in any ways appertaining, and do also grant 
unto the aforesaid Andrew Leete Esquire, Mr. Josiah 
Rossiter, Lieut. William Seward, Deacon William 
Johnson, Deacon John Graves, Mr. John Collins, 
Mr. John Stone, Mr. Stephen Bishop, Sergt. Daniel 
Hubbard, Mr. Abraham Cruttenden, Mr. John Chit- 
tenden and Mr. John Meigs and the rest of the pro- 
prietors inhabitants of Guilford, their heirs, successors 
and assigns forever, that the aforesaid tract of land 
shall be forever hereafter deemed reputed and be an 
entire township of itself, to have and to hold the said 
tract of land and premises with all and singular their 
appurtenances, together with the privileges and immu- 
nities franchises herein given and granted unto the 
said Andrew Leete Esquire, Mr. Josiah Rossiter, 
Lieut. William Seward, Deacon William Johnson, 
Deacon John Graves, Mr. John Collins, Mr. John 
Stone, Mr. Stephen Bishop, Sergt. Daniel Hubbard, 
Mr. Abraham Cruttenden, Sergt. John Chittenden 
and Mr. John Meigs, and other the present proprietors, 
inhabitants of Guilford their heirs, successors and as- 
signs forever, and to the only proper use and behoof 
of the said Andrew Leete Esquire, Mr. Josiah Rossi- 
ter, Lieut. William Seward, Deacon William Johnson, 
Deacon John Graves, Mr. John Collins, Mr. John 
Stone, Mr. Stephen Bishop, Sergt. Daniel Hubbard, 
Mr. Abraham Cruttenden, Sergt. John Chittenden 
and Mr. John Meigs and the other proprietors in- 
habitants of Guilford their heirs, & successors forever 
according the tenor of East Greenwich in Kent in 
free and common soccage and not in capite nor by 
knight service, they to make improvement of the same 



8o HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

as they are capable according to the custom of the 
country, yielding rendering and paying therefor to our 
sovereign Lord the King his heirs and successors 
his dues according to the charter of the colony to be 
hereunto affixed this 7th of Dec. one thousand six 
hundred and eighty-five in the first year of the reign 
of our sovereign Lord James the second, of England, 
Scotland, France and Ireland, king, defender of the 
faith. RoBT. Treat, Gov. 

Entered in the public records of the colony of Con- 
necticut Lib. D, fol. 144 and 145, Dec. 8th, 1685, 
per John Allyn secretary. 

By order of the General Court of Connecticut 
signed John Allyn, Secretary. 

and recorded on the three last pages of vol. C, Guil- 
ford Records. 

Schools u'ere established probably as early as the establishment 
of the church, 1643. They were formerly supported like the 
clergyman by a tax. At a town meeting holden the 7th of 
October, 1646, a committee was appointed of three men to 
collect the contributions for the salaries of Mr. Whitfield and 
Mr. Higginson, and " it was ordered that the additional sum 
towards Mr. Higginson's maintenance with respect to the school 
shall be paid by treasurer yearly out of the best of the rates in 
due season according to our agreements." 

And it was further ordered "that whoever shall put any child 
to school to Mr. Higginson shall not put for less than a quarter's 
time at once, and so all shall be reckoned with quarterly though 
they have neglected to send them all the time, after the rate of 
4i per quarter by the treasurer." After the removal of Mr. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 8l 

Higginson the townsmen procured from year to year teachers 
at the rate of 20 or ,£30 per annum.' A Mr. Joseph Fener in 
1671 and a Mr. Matthew Belamy in 1671, and Mr. Jonathan 
Pitman in 1675 and 76. In 1682 Mr. John Colhns for some 
years. In 1690 it was voted in town meeting to give Mr. 
Thomas Higginson of Salem ^30 per year, two-thirds from the 
treasury and one-third from the scholars, which was continued 
for some years. In 1694 Mr Elliott was employed till 1700, 
when Mr. Collins was again appointed. In 1701 Capt. Andrew 
Ward was appointed. Until this time there was but one school 
in the town, viz. : at the centre of the present First Society. 
In 1702 "the east farmers from East river eastwards were 
granted liberty to provide a suitable person to keep school there, 
and that he be paid for the time he kept school not exceeding 
three months in the year." The next year (1703) the east 
farmers became a society called East Guilford. And as the 
other societies were set ofFthey became also school districts, and 
received their own shares of the school money. A school house 
was built as early as 1645, repaired 167 1 and a new one built 
in its stead in 1677. Mr. Joseph Dudley was chosen school- 
master in 1705, Mr. James Elliott in 1706, Doct. William 
Johnson about 1720 for a year or two, and the school was after- 
wards kept in the family of Samuel Johnson for seventy or eighty 
years. The school records were at first kept with the town 



' Rev. Jeremiah Feck (born in London, Eng., 1623, died in Waterbury, 1699), 
who married Joanna, or Hannah, daughter of Robert Kicchell, Nov. 12, 1656, 
taught school in Guilford from 1656 to 1660. He removed in the latter year to 
New Haven, where he also acted as school-master until Sept. 25, 1661, when he 
made an agreement to be the miaister at Saybrook, which engagement he terminated 
Jan. 30, 1665-6. "Returning to Guilford, he with his father-in-law, joined Pierson 
and the Branford and Guilford people who settled at Newark, New Jersey, in 
1666-7, where he probably preached until the arrival of Pierson, I October, 1667." 
He afterwards preached in Elizabethtown, Jamaica (L. I.), Greenwich (Conn.), and 
Waterbury. — Siiley's Harvard Graduates, i, 569, 570. 
11 



82 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

records, but of late years they have been kept by themselves. 
There was but one school in the First Society down to (about) 
1794, when the present system of school districts was adopted 
in Connecticut. Formerly, about the beginning of the present 
century four schools were taught in the borough for many years 
in one building which stood upon the Green. The removal of 
this building and the town house from the Green has already 
been noticed. They were located afterwards on the turnpike a 
few rods north of the First Congregational church. 

In Nov., 1824, the Lancasterian method was adopted in the 
centre district and all the children were placed in one school 
(taught in the town house) excepting those in the private schools 
and in the academy. The latter was opened in 1825 and was 
under the charge of several teachers, Mr. (now Doctor) Alvan 
Talcott, and Samuel Robinson having charge for considerable 
periods. 

In 1829 the Lancasterian system was given up and the children 
in the centre districts were divided into four classes. The first 
class, corresponding to the academy, was taught from 183T to 
1834 by R. D. Smith, afterwards by Luman Whedon, and 
thence to 1837 by Julius N. Dowd. In 1837 the district was 
divided into four parts and school houses built in the northeast 
and southwest districts, the northwest district occupving a part 
of the academv, the upper part of which building was occupied 
in 1838 by Mr. Dudley as a high school. Tlie districts began 
to be set off from the centre district about the commencement 
of the present century, at which time the Clapboard Hill district 
was first set off. 

[In 1876 the town consisted of eleven school districts, 
among which was inchjded the union school district, a consolida- 
tion of five separate districts. The number of children between 
the ages of four and sixteen in the different districts, was re- 
ported in the same year as follows : 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 83 

Union school district 312 

North Guilford: South, 40 

" " Centre, 31 

BIufF, 13 

" " North, 23 

Sachem's Head, 13 

Leete's Island, 47 

Moose Hill, 26 

Nut Plains, Upper, 15 

" " Lower, 17 

Clapboard Hill, 16 

553] 
[The Guilford Institute. Mrs. Sarah Griffing, widow 
of Hon. Nathaniel Griffing, deeded August 21, 1854, to E. 
Edwin Hall, Henry W. Chittenden, Simeon B. Chittenden, 
Alvan Talcott, Abraham C. Baldwin, Ralph D. Smith and 
Sherman Graves (who had been created a body politic under 
the name and style of The Trustees of the Guilford Institute)^ a 
piece of land situated in Guilford, as also the sum of ten 
thousand dollars, "for the purpose of establishing and main- 
taining a school in said Guilford of a higher order than the dis- 
trict or common school." She states, in the deed, " whereas 
my wish is that the said school should in no sense be regarded 
as a sectarian institution but be open alike to all who wish to 
enjoy its advantages, and on the same terms, yet as it must 
necessarily be under some government and control, and as more 
harmony will be likely to prevail if all the directors or trustees 
are of the same religious views, my wish is that they should 
be of the denomination to which I belong, to wit, of the 
Congregational order and of that class designated and known at 
the present day as Orthodox or Trinitarian, of which the pastor 
of the First church in Guilford shall always be one, should he 



84 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

hold such religious views or belief." She also expresses the 
wish that " the Bible should always be used in said school as 
the foundation of all education for usefulness or happiness." 

To this donation was added another of ten thousand dollars, by 
Hon. Simeon B. Chittenden, Brooklyn, N. Y., October I2th, 
1855. 

The corner stone of the building for the accommodation of the 
institute was laid September 13, 1854, on which occasion an 
address was delivered by Rev. T. D. P. Stone of the Normal 
school at Norwich, Conn. The building being completed, the 
first term of the institute was opened September 3, 1855, with 
suitable public exercises, and addresses by Rev. E. Edwin Hall, 
S. B. Chittenden, and others. 

In September 1872, by an arrangement with the Union 
school district of Guilford, its scholars were admitted to the 
privileges of the institute /r^^. In 1875 the institute failing to 
receive any interest on certain bonds constituting their invest- 
ments, the trustees gave permission to the union district to 
occupy the building for a high school, which arrangement con- 
tinues to the present time. 

The following persons have acted as trustees of the institute : 

Appointed. Termination. 

Rev. E. Edwin Hall, 1854, 1855. 

1866, 1869. 

Henry W. Chittenden, 1854, 1^55- 

1857, «•■ 1867. 

Simeon B. Chittenden, 1854. 

Alvan Talcott, 1854. 

Rev. Abraham C. Baldwin,... 1854, 1857. 

Ralph D. Smith, 1854, 1874. 

Sherman Graves, 1854, i^75- 

Edward L. Leete, 1855. 

Rev. Henry Wicks, 1856, 1858. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



8J 



Termination. 
... 1865. 



1873- 

1877. 



Appointed. 

Rev. William S. Smith, 1859, 

Eli Parmalee, 1867. 

Rev. Cornelius L. Kitchel, ... 1870, 

Rev. Geo. W. Banks, 1874.. 

Rev. T. L. Day, 1875, 

Henry D. Cone, 1875. 

The following persons have been principals of the institute, 
the dates of their first appointment are also given : 

Eli T. Mack, 1855. 

Augustine Hart, 1858. 

J. Wilson Ward, i860. 

Henry S. Barnum, 1862. 

Joseph L. Daniels, 1863. 

Winthrop D. Sheldon,.. 1864. 

W. H. Ayres, 1865. 

Edwin H. Wilson, 1865. 

James P. Hoyt, 1867. 

Frederic S. Thompson, i86g. 

Charles E. Gordon, 1871. 

John P. Slocum, 1871. 

Jairus P. Moore, ^875. 

In 1737 a library was formed in the towns of Guilford, Say- 
brook, Killingworth and Lyme.^ The hooks were principally on 



f' To this library the writer of HaHecfs Life refers in the following account of his 
love of reading : 

" Books in the days of Halleck's boyhood were less common in country towns 
than at present, and so, after reading everything contained in the family library, 
Fitz Greene had recourse to a public collection, of which he once assured me that he 
had read every book, as his father had done before him. The Guilford library con- 
tained, among its four hundred volumes, the works of many of the standard English 
poets and novelists, essayists and historians, with other volumes published prior to 
1800. The old dog-eared and well-thumbed copies of Goldsmith and Gibbon, 
Josephus and Joseph Andrews, Pope and Plutarch, of Shakespeare and Smollct, 
with numerous less used and heavy volumes of still heavier sermons, by old and 
approved British and New England divines, are still to be seen over a grocer's shop 



86 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

divinity, some of them being large and valuable. In May 1787, 
(after many had probably been lost or worn out) these consisted of 
sixty folios, twenty-four quartos, and three hundred and seven of 
other sizes, which were appraised at £167. 7^. Many of the 
proprietors of this library lived in Guilford. Sometime before 
1797, this company was dissolved and a new company formed 
in Guilford First Society, unto whose library some of the books 
of the former library were introduced. The young people 
afterwards associated and purchased another library. These 
libraries were united about 1820 and called the Union library, 
which contained in 1838 about six hundred volumes. 

A public library was formed in North Guilford about 1760. 
In 1794, the house in which it was kept was burned and most 
of the books were destroyed. New books were purchased 
until it contained 185 volumes. This was dissolved, and a new 
one formed which contained in 1838 less than 100 volumes. 

As the great object of the first settlers was the enjoyment of 
the privileges of the gospel in their own way, they very early 
erected a house for public worship, although it is not certainly 
known in what year. It was probably finished in 1643, ^^ ^^^ 
time the church was gathered here. In 1645, " it was ordered 
that no more trees should be cut down before the meeting 
house." This house was of stone and stood on the northwest 
part of the Green. In it a gallery was built across the west 
end in 1668, and a porch attached to it in 1672. At a town- 
meeting held in January 1679-80, it was agreed to build in ad- 
dition to a porch on the south side, a gallery on all sides of the 
house, two seats in width. In 1681, it was voted to enlarge 
the house extensively, the manner is not recorded. Thus en- 



at Guilford, now quite out of date, forgotten, and fallen into disuse and covered with 
dust to such an extent, that plain, gilt, marble, or red-edged volumes, present one 
uniform dull, dingy aspect." Wilson s Halleck, 53, 54.] 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 87 

larged it continued until June 171 2. A large wooden church 
was then erected, sixty-eight feet long and forty-six wide three 
stories high, with double galleries ; and a steeple (one hundred 
and twenty feet high) was built at the west end and a bell fur- 
nished the same in 1726. At the same time a clock was made 
for it and given to the society by Ebenezer Parmelee, an in- 
genious mechanic. This is said to have been the first meeting 
house in Connecticut furnished with a steeple, bell and clock. 
This building was taken down in 1830 \ the present one was 
raised in June 1829, and dedicated May 19, 1830. It is large, 
beautiful and convenient, being built of wood, is eighty teet in 
length by sixty in width, with a projection of six feet, and cost 
$7,400. 

[The first public meeting in reference to building a new 
meeting house was held Feb. 18, 1828. Previous to this a 
subscription paper had been circulated, and something over 
$5,000 had been raised in that way. It had been agreed that 
those, who should subscribe, might bid off pews, in the house 
when built, to the amount of their subscription, and that all 
other members of the society should have the same privilege. 
Objection was made by some to the owning of the pews by in- 
dividuals, and the preference was for the erection of the house 
by a tax and the seating of the occupants by age as had been 
the custom in the old house. It seemed very difficult to raise 
the sum needed for the building, and in this position of affairs 
about thirty members of the society became responsible for the 
money necessary to complete it, taking the risk of being reim- 
bursed by the sale of the pews. At a meeting, held Nov. 28, 
1828, it was voted to proceed to the building of the house. The 
site selected was the Lot Benton place, at the north end of the 
Green, which v/as purchased at the price of $925. A contract 
was made with Ira Atwaterand Wilson Booth of New Haven 
to build a house eighty by sixty feet for the sum of $6,500 



88 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

The corner stone was laid June 5, 1829, and a suitable address 
was delivtred by Rev. Aaron Dutton. The raising was com- 
menced June 10, 1829, and completed without accident June 
18, the men from the different districts assisting in succession. 

The meeting house was dedicated May 19, 1830, and the 
pews were offered for sale on the next day. They sold for 
more than enough to pay all the bills, and a great degree of 
harmony and good feeling prevailed. 

The meeting house remained substantially unchanged until 
1861, when extensive alterations were made, and the whole 
structure was improved and modernized. The pulpit and gal- 
leries were lowered, the pews made more comfortable, the walls 
frescoed, and the lecture room was enlarged. In 1868, a superb 
organ was generously presented to the society by Mrs. Mary G. 
Chittenden. 

After the erection of the new house the pews were held as 
private property by the original purchasers and their heirs and 
assigns, and the expenses of public worship, as had always before 
been the custom, were provided for by a tax on the list, in the 
same manner as the expenses of the town. This tax in 1828, 
was five cents on the dollar of the assessment list (which was 
three per cent of the property valuation) ; in 1849, '^'^^ '^^'^ Y^^^ 
in which a tax was laid, it was twelve cents on the dollar. In 
1850, the members of the society owning pews gave them to the 
society by a joint deed, and the pews, that were owned by mem- 
bers of other societies or by persons who had moved away, were 
purchased at about one-half of their original cost. After which 
the society proceeded to make provision for the support of pub- 
lic worship by the annual renting of the pews, which is the 
method adopted at the present time. A. T.] 

The people doubtless observed public worship from the be- 
ginning, as they sustained a very pious character, and Mr. Whit- 
field, one of their number, had long been in the ministry, having 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 89 

indeed been the pastor of some of them in England, but for 
some cause now unknown a church was not regularly formed 
until 1643. On the 19th day of the third month (i.e. June 
29th, of our present reckoning) accordingto the method practiced 
in New Haven, seven persons were selected called pillars, viz : 
Henry Whitfield, John Higginson, Samuel Disborow, William 
Leete, Jacob Sheafe, John Mepham and John Hoadley, that 
to these others might be united. To whom accordingly the other 
professors, embracing more than half the inhabitants, were 
joined at that time. At this time Mr. Whitfield was the pastor 
and, as he had been especially ordained in England and ministe- 
rially connected with most of them in that country and with all 
of them here, he was not formally installed. Among the rea- 
sons, that might have partly caused the delay, may have been the 
fact that until this period there does not seem to have been a 
permanent settlement at this place, and that prior also to this 
period there seems to have been no regular teacher associated 
with the clergyman, which they seem to have considered an 
almost indispensable requisite. Mr. John Higginson, son of 
Mr. Higginson first minister of Salem, Massachusetts, and son- 
in-law of Mr. Whitfield, was duly called and instituted into 
that office. He seems to have been for several years a preacher, 
as he had been employed in that duty at Hartford and at Say- 
brook. The articles of faith or covenant originally adopted 
were used in the church until 1837, when they were amended 
in only a few particulars, although some other prior unimportant 
alterations were perhaps made by the Rev. Dr. Button. A 
public relation of experiences was required in order to admission 
into the church until 1762, when a vote was passed by the 
church that they would not insist upon such a relation from 
those who should be indisposed to give it. Since then such 
relations have been given generally in a private manner. 

Mr. Whitfield continued here as pastor until the month of 
12 



90 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

October, 1651, when he took leave of his church and congre- 
gation, who greatly loved him and followed him to the water- 
side with many tears, and shipped for his native country where 
he appears to have finished his days in the ministry in the city 
of Winchester. 

The character given of him by Cotton Mather in his Mag- 
nalia^ and by Doctor Trumbull in his History of Connecticut^ is 
very excellent. In point of character and talents he ranked 
among the first ministers in New England. His father, who 
was an eminent lawyer, designed him for the bar and gave him 
a liberal education for it at the university and afterward at the 
inns of court, but, being early called by grace, he was de- 
sirous of becoming a preacher of the gospel, and was encour- 
aged to this intent by such eminent men as Doctor Stanton, 
Maj. Byfield and others. Entering into orders he was first 
stationed at Ockley in Surrey near London, where his labors 
were blessed to many of the inhabitants of that town and 
vicinity.' Finding his occasional labors abroad useful, and en- 
joying one of the best church-livings and having a large estate 
of his own, he employed an able and pious minister to preach 
to his own people and went into destitute places among the poor 
himself preaching the glad tidings of mercy. Though a con 
formist he was on the most friendly terms with Mr. Cotton, 
Mr. Hooker, Mr. Goodwin, and others, men of eminent piety 
among the non-conformists who afterwards became lights in the 
American church, and often entertained them in the kindest 
manner at his house. At length having a conference with Mr. 



[' During his connection with Ockley he wrote a book, the title of the second 
edition of which was as follows: 

Some Helpes to Stirre up to Christian Duties etc., by Henry Whitfield, B. D. 
Preacher of God's Word at Ockley in Surrey. The Second Edition. Corrected and 
enlarged. London, printed for John Bartlett, and are to be sold at his shop at the 
Giltcup in Cheaps ide, 1634, pp. 228.] 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 9I 

Cotton and some of the other divines about church discipline, 
he became a non-conformist himself, and, unable to pursue his 
ministry peaceably in England, he now procured a godly succes- 
sor and resigned his charge, sold his estate and came over, with 
many pious persons attached to his ministry, to this country. 
During his continuance at Guilford a large proportion of his pro- 
perty was expended in helping his people in their settlement, while 
he supported a numerous and expensive family. He had ten 
children, two of whom remained at Guilford a year or two after 
him, their names were Nathaniel and John Whitfield. One mar- 
ried Mr. Higginson, and another Mr. Fitch the minister at 
Saybrook and afterwards at Norwich. Most of the children, 
however, were dependent upon him for support. The prospect 
therefore was that he must suffer great embarrassment if he re- 
mained at Guilford, and he had many and pressing invitations to 
return to England where the change of times under the protec- 
torate opened the way for him to resume and prosecute the 
ministry without molestation. His family appear for some 
reason or other to have remained here for some years after- 
wards. His son Nathaniel Whitfield, removed to New Haven, 
and after remaining for some years, removed thence to London, 
England, where he seems to have been a wealthy merchant and 
to have been very useful to the settlers. Mr. Whitfield's wife 
appears to have been here as late as 1659, ^"'^ ^^ ^^'^^^ ^^"^^ ^^^ 
is spoken of on the records as being here and managing the estate. 
Mr. Whitfield was a distinguished preacher, delivering his dis- 
courses with a peculiar beauty, dignity and solemnity. He pub- 
lished a work entitled. The Light Appearing More andMore^ giving 
an account of the progress of the gospel among the Indians, etc. 
In consequence of what he had expended in the purchase of the 
town and the gift of Mr. Fenwick, numerous and valuable tracts 
of land were allowed him in various parts of the town, which 
upon his return to England he offered to sell to his people upon 



92 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

low terms. They, however, did not purchase them partly on 
account of their poverty, and partly from an expectation which 
prevailed for a time that they should eventually follow him. 
He therefore sold them to Major Robert Thompson of London, 
in whose family they remained, to the great detriment of the 
town, until Oct. 22d, 1772, when Andrew Oliver Esq., of 
Boston, as attorney for Thompson's heirs, sold them all to 
Mr. Wyllys Elliott of Guilford for .£3000 of the current money 
of Massachusetts. They continued in his family for several 
years. The stone house was purchased in 1776, by Jasper 
Griffing, and finally passed into the possession of his son Judge 
Nathaniel Griffing, and the Sawpitts farm was purchased in 
1837, of Samuel and Reuben Elliott by Walter Johnson Esq. 
Mr. Higginson became sole pastor of the church after the 
departure of Mr. Whitfield, and was duly instituted into those 
duties, Sept. 1653. He was the son of Mr. Francis Higginson, 
for some time minister of Leicester, England, and afterwards 
first minister of Salem, Mass. His father dying soon after his 
settlement in Salem, Mr. John Higginson was privately edu- 
cated by benevolent friends, among whom was Mr. Hooker of 
Hartford. He lived some time in the latter place, employed 
in school keeping, and probably prosecuting his theological 
studies. In the year 1636, he was chaplain at Saybrook fort 
during the Pequot war, where he labored about four years, 
where, in the language of another, " his ministrations were suita- 
ble, seasonable and profitable according to the present dispensa- 
tion of Providence." He removed to Guilford about 1641 
where he remained until 1659, when he shipped for England 
intending to visit his father-in-law, but the vessel being forced 
into Salem by contrary winds, the people wishing then to settle 
a pastor, he was persuaded to accept a call from the church 
where his father had been settled about thirty years previous. 
He was installed Aug. 29, 1660, and became eminent by his 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



93 



preaching and his exemplary life. He wrote " An Attestation 
to the Church History of New England by Cotton Mather," and 
published also a volume of sermons dedicated to the people of 
Saybrook, Guilford and Salem,"' He died Dec. 9, 1708, in 
the 93d year of his age, having been in the ministry seventy- 
two years. His likeness is preserved in the Atheneum at 
Salem and his descendants in that town are numerous and re- 
spectable, although the name seems to have become extinct 
among them. The Hon. Stephen Higginson, his sole surviv- 
ing male descendant died at Boston in the autumn of 1828, at 
the advanced age of eighty-five. He was a member of the 
revolutionary congress of 1778, where he distinguished himself 
by his talents and acquired the confidence of the most distin- 
guished men in this country. 

After the departure of Mr. Higginson, the town of Guilford 
was in a confused state for several years. Mr. John Cotton 
(H. C, 1657) ^'^° married the daughter of Doct. Bryan Ros- 
siter was here a part of the time, and also Mr. John Bowers 
(H. C, 1649) from New Haven, but the latter seems not to 
have been generallv liked by the people, and was also much 
opposed by Doct. Rossiter. Mr. Cotton soon removed and 
afterwards settled at Plymouth, A4assachusetts ; ^ and Mr. 



[' Our Saviour's Dying Legacy of Peace to his Disciples in a troublesome World, 
from John xiv, ij. My Peace i give unto you, etc. Also a discourse on the Two 
Witnesses, etc; unto which is added some help to self-examination (which I drew 
up for myself in the year 1652). By John Higginson, pastor of the church in Salem, 
etc. Boston, printed by Samuel Green for John Usher near the Town House, 1686, 
pp. 205.] 

[2 Rev. John Cotton, born March Z2, 1639-40 at Plymouth. Mass., married at 
Wethersfield, Conn., Nov. 7, 1660, Joanna Rossiter, by whom he had eleven 
children. He left Connecticut for Boston in 1663, where he was excommunicated 
for immoral conduct, but was restored the next month. Removed to Plymouth, 
Mass., 1667, remaining ther.; until his dismissal Oct. 5, 1697. After this he was 
called to Charlestown, S. C, where he arrived December 7, 1698, and labored until 
he died September 17 or 18, 1699, of the yellow fever. — &ib/ey\ Har-vard Gradu- 
ates, I, 496-508.] 



94 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Bowers returned to New Haven, afterwards settling at Derby, 
where he remained till his death, June 14, 1687. In the fall 
of the year 1663, the town received a letter from Dr. Increase 
Mather, who gave them much encouragement of coming to 
settle here, but declined the call gi^en him during the next 
spring. 

In 1664, however, Mr. Joseph Eliot, a native of Roxbury, 
Mass., and graduate of Harvard college (1658), was called and 
happily settled. He was the second son, born Dec. 20, 1638, 
of the Rev. John Eliot, pastor of Roxbury, called frequently 
the apostle to the Indians, and was endowed by the God of 
nature and of grace with a liberal portion of the excellencies of 
his father. Before he came to this place he preached some- 
time in Northampton, Mass., where he was unanimously 
invited to settle, the health of Mr. Mather, minister of that 
town having declined. The settlement, however, did not take 
place, probably on account of Mr. Mather's recovery. As a 
preacher, Mr. Joseph Eliot is said to have been inferior to none 
in the age in which he lived, and he was a burning and shining 
light in this community. His religious character is well ex- 
emplified in a pious and excellent letter written by him to a 
brother in Roxbury, " showing how we must live in this world, 
so as to live in heaven," which having been published in this 
century served to bring his character and work afresh to remem- 
brance. He died May 24, 1694. 

The Rev. Thomas Ruggles, who was born (March 10, 1671), 
at the same place and educated at the same college (H. C, 
1690) with Mr. Eliot, preached in Guilford during the summer 
after his death, and was ordained his successor, Nov. 20, 1695. 
His character and standing as a minister were respectable. He 
was a fellow of Yale college from 171 1 until his death, which 
occurred June i, 1728, in the 58th year of his age. 

[On the 9th of June, 1728, " being the Lord's day next after 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 95 

the funeral," a discourse was pronounced in Guilford on Death, 
the Advantage of the Godly : from Philippians i, 20, by Elisha 
Williams, A.M., and Rector of Yale college, from which the 
following characteristics of Mr. Ruggles are excerpted : 

" What of him first took our Thoughts, was his Comely, 
Serene and Majestick Aspect, his Pleasant, yet Grave and 
Solemn Deportment, every way becoming the great Excellen- 
cies of his Mind, always commanding our Reverence, and 
Attracting our Love. Most happy was he in a Meek com- 
posed. Peaceable and Pleasant Disposition. He excelled in a 
peculiar Sweetness and Goodness of Temper, and in a Beneficent 
Love to Mankind. This his Love most Diffusive, tho' especially 
directed to such where the Christian appeared, yet led him to 
do Good to all, and to the greatest distance from speaking Evil 
of any. He was Hearty and Real in his Affection to his 
Friend, Faithful to his Literest, Obliging and Sincere in the 
Expressions of his Friendship, and wholly Unpracticed in the 
Ai'ts of Dissimulation."] 

The Rev. Thomas Ruggles, eldest son of the preceding, a 
graduate of Yale college (1723) was ordained here, March 26, 
1729 and died Nov. 19, 1770, aged sixty-five. He was a 
fellow of Yale college during the last twenty-fouryears of his life. 

[The funeral sermon of Rev. Thomas Ruggles, Jr., was 
delivered, on the next Lord's day after his death, by Jonathan 
Todd, A.M., pastor of the Second church in Guilford, on 
"•Judgment and Mercy: or Aaron dead and lamented, and 
Eleazer in his Office," from Numbers xx, 28, 29. Mr. Todd 
speaks of him as a man of sound understanding, a solid judg- 
ment, a penetrating genius, a very strong and tenacious memory. 
His attainments in valuable and useful learning were very con- 
siderable. The metaphysical and unintelligible jargon of the 
schools he always disliked. But true philosophy he loved, and 
was well acquainted with the principles thereof. But divinity 



96 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

was the chosen study to which he chiefly applied himself. * * 
He was a judicious, orthodox divine. He was a plain, instruct- 
ive preacher. His study was not rhetoric, and the ' enticing 
words of man's wisdom.' Nor was he happy in his elocution. 
But his preaching was solid and weighty, practical and serious. 
"■ He was of a cautious temper ; an able counselor ; grave, but 
affable, pleasant and facetious in his converse ; he loved peace, 
was noted for his hospitality in his house ; was a lover of good 
men, and a friend to mankind. Having devoted much atten- 
tion to local history, he left in manuscript a History of Guilford^ 
down to 1769.] 

The Rev. Amos Fowler, a native of Guilford, also educated 
at Yale college (1753) was ordained a colleague of A4r. Ruggles, 
June 8, 1757, and died Feb. 10, 1800, at the age of seventy-two. 

[At the funeral of Mr, Fowler, the sermon was delivered by 
Thomas Wells Bray, A.M., pastor of the Third (North Guil- 
ford) church in Guilford, on '' The Duty of Living and Dying 
to the Lord," from Romans xiv, 8. The speaker had been a 
fellow-laborer for almost thirty-four years, and spoke of him as 
" by nature of a placid, grave, patient and meek spirit ; which 
amiable qualities, being greatly brightened by divine grace, ren- 
dered him eminent for constant serenity and uninterrupted calm- 
ness of temper, under all trials. His whole deportment ap- 
peared to be most remote from pride, envy and ostentation. 
Such were his unaffected modesty and humility, that his work 
appeared to much greater advantage to those who improved 
their acquaintance with him. He was amiable for his hos- 
pitality ; his esteem of good men ; his peaceable and friendly 
disposition to all. He was ever cautious of speaking evil of any 
man ; and not only desirous of living peaceably with all, but 
possessed a wonderful talent of cooling down the wrath and 
violence of those whose passions were tumultuous. That wis- 
dom which is from above, seemed to be eminent in him, which 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 97 

is first pure, etc. He was ever cool and judicious in counsel — 
was a man of prayer ; with plainness and pertinency adapting 
his expressions to every case on which he was called to speak. 
Mr. Fowler was a constant father to the people of his charge, 
manifesting a readiness, in season and out of season, to spend 
and be spent for them, to live and die with them." Another 
sermon was also delivered on the occasion of Mr. Fowler's 
death by John Elliott, A.M., pastor of a church in E. Guilford, 
on 2 Kings ii, 14. " Where is the Lord God of Elijah," in 
which he says, Mr. F. "read with care the primitive fathers, but 
his system of faith was founded on the Bible." 

The Rev. Israel Brainerd of Haddam became the successor 
of Mr. Fowler, June [i, 1 800, and was dismissed June 11, 
1806. [We learn from an obituary of this minister, published 
in a Presbyterian paper, that he was born in 1772. At the age 
of sixteen he made a profession of religion. His collegiate 
education was obtained at Yale, where he maintained a respect- 
able position, graduating 1797 in a class containing such men as 
Dr. Lyman Beecher, Dr. James Murdock, Judge Henry Bald- 
win and others. He spent one year teaching in Albany, pur- 
sued his theological studies with Dr. Chas. Backus of Somers, 
and was licensed to preach in Oct., 1799. The writer says 
that during his ministry here, gross errors had crept into the 
church, and that although the influential part of the congrega- 
tion " cried for smooth things," his faith in the fundamental 
doctrines of grace was so strong, and his sense of personal re- 
sponsibility to the great Head of the church was so vivid, that 
he was unable to yield to their wishes, but on the other hand 
was earnest and bold to declare the whole counsel of God 
whether men would hear or forbear. "After his dismissal 
from Guilford, he was commissioned by the Connecticut Home 
Missionary Society as a missionary to Oneida county, N. Y. 
and was subsequently settled in Verona, where he remained 
13 



98 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

pastor for thirty years. After closing his pastoral labors in V., 
he served "the church as a missionary, an agent, or as a col- 
porteur till the last week of his life." He died in Syracuse on 
the 5th of Sept., 1854.] 

The Rev. Aaron Dutton, a native of Watertown, Conn., 
was ordained here Dec. 10, 1806, became the next minister in 
charge, remaining until his dismission, June 8, 1842. [He was 
the son of deacon Thomas Dutton, and was born in Water- 
town, May 21, 1780. His collegiate education was obtained 
in Yale college, where he was graduated in the class of 
1803. He also received from the college the degree of A.M., 
but declined that of D.D., as contrary to the divine injunction 
in Matt, xxiii, 8. In 1825, he was elected as a member of the 
corporation of the college, and took part in its management 
until his death in 1849. 

As a preacher he was plain and practical, not eloquent nor 
displaying the graces of oratory, but forcible and pointed in his 
sermons, and had the high satisfaction of knowing that his labors 
were not in vain. During the first three years of his ministry 
about one hundred and fifty persons united with the church by 
profession, and during the year 1821, alone, there were one 
hundred and eighteen. General revivals occurred in 1827, 
1 83 1, 1834 and in 1840. More than six hundred persons made 
a profession of religion during his ministry. 

He was very kind and attentive in the visitation of the sick ; 
making daily visits in cases of dangerous sickness. Active and 
efficient in promoting the cause of education ; notwithstanding 
he was personally engaged in teaching a school for the higher 
branches, he acted as school visitor almost every year, and was 
able to state from personal knowledge who were efficient as 
teachers and successful as scholars. 

He married Miss Dorcas Southmayd of Watertown, shortly 
before his settlement in Guilford. They had eight child- 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 99 

ren : Mary who was for some time principal of Grove Hall 
Female Seminary in New Haven ; Dorcas S. wife of the 
late Rev. Edwin R. Gilbert of Wallingford, who died in 1849 5 
Rev. Thomas, a graduate of Williams college, and settled for 
a time in Ashford ; Rev. Dr. Samuel W. S. of New Haven, 
so well known and so universally lamented at his death in 1866 ; 
Aaron R. Esq., of the class of 1837, a lawyer in Columbus, 
Ohio ; and three others who died at the ages of eleven, fifteen, 
and eighteen respectively. 

After Mr. Dutton's dismission in 1842, he served for a time 
as a missionary in the west. He died in New Haven, June 
13, 1849, ^^ ^^^ ^g^ of sixty-nine. — A. T.] 

[Rev. E. Edwin Hall, born April 18 14, in Blanford Mass., 
a graduate of the University of Illinois (1838), was settled as 
pastor October 25, 1843, ^^^ continued in that position until 
July 24, 1855, when, desiring to make a visit to Europe, he 
was dismissed at his own request. 

Rev. Henry Wickes, born Feb. 11, 1821, at Jamaica N. Y., 
a graduate of Marietta college (1848), was settled as pastor 
May 22, 1856, and, after a pastorate of two years, was dis- 
missed July 21, 1858, by mutual consent. 

Rev. William S. Smith, born July 10, 1821, at Leverett, 
Mass., a graduate of Amherst college (1848,) was next settled 
over the church as pastor. May 3, 1859, but, after continuing in 
that relation for more than six years, was dismissed July 3, 
1865, on account of ill health. 

The church remained without a settled pastor for nearly five 
years after Mr. Smith's resignation, during a part of which time 
Rev. E. Edwin Hall acted as stated supply. Finally, how- 
ever, Rev. Cornelius L. Kitchel, born July 5, 1841, at 
Thomaston, Conn., a graduate of Yale college (1862), was 
settled as pastor, April 13, 1870, and remained until his resig- 
nation and dismission March 24, 1873. 



lOO HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Rev. Theodore L. Day, a graduate of Yale college (1867) 
was then engaged as a stated supply, from November 1874, re- 
maining as such until February, 1877.] 

Upon the settlement of Mr. Ruggles the younger, an un- 
happy separation took place which, only after the lapse of nearly 
a century,' was healed. A large number of the church, together 
with many of the society, being unwilling to receive him as their 
pastor, withdrew and established public worship among them- 
selves. They obtained Mr. Edmund Ward, a native of the 
town and graduate of Yale college (1727), who had been re- 
cently licensed to preach at New Haven, as a candidate for the 
ministry to preach for them, and they went forward and erected 
a house for the service of God. After various, unsuccessful 
attempts of councils and committees appointed by the legislature 
to reconcile them to their brethren, they were formed into a 
distinct society called " the Fourth Society in Guilford" having 
the same territorial limits as the First Society, by an act of the 
general assembly passed May session, 1733. 

The Rev. Mr. Ward was ordained Sept. 21, 1733, pastor 
over the new congregation, and the church organized. The 
ordination sermon was delivered bv the Rev. John Graham, 
the first pastor of the church in Southbury, then a parish of 
Woodbury in this state. Mr. Ward remained with his church 
and society until sometime in 1735, when he was dismissed and 
deposed by a council. After this he became an Episcopalian, 
and united with some others in the formation of the Episcopal 
societv in Guilford. He used occasionally to read service, 
but never took orders in the Episcopal church. He died, 
October, 1779, aged 73. 

The Rev. James Sproat, D.D., of Scituate, Mass., was or- 
dained over the Fourth Society, Aug. 23, 1743, and dismissed 
Oct. 18, 1768, and soon after this was installed over the Second 
Presbyterian church of Philadelphia. Dr. Sproat was educated 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. lOI 



at Yale college, where he graduated 1741.' He became a sub- 
ject of religious exercises during his connection with that insti- 
tution, under a discourse delivered by the celebrated Gilbert 
Tennent, his predecessor in Philadelphia. Dr. S. remained 



[» The following articles from The Connecticut Journal, manifestly refers to the de- 
parture of Dr. Sproat from Guilford. They show that some of his members were 
animated with unfriendly feelings towards him, and that bitter controversy was stimu- 
lating those engaged in it to indulge in unseemly and abusive language : 

Guilford, Aug. 18, 1769. 

In the town of G — d, an under shepherd lately deserted or ran away from his flock 
without leave or license, either from his own or the flocks of the circuit with which 
he was consociated, having nothing to keep him in countenance but the advice of seven 
of his brethren, and the concurring yelps of four of their spaniels. When he came 
to them, he had neither crook, shoes nor scrip, nor two coats; but soon clothed and 
warmed himself with their fleeces, and very soon became a listener to the bleatings of 
other flocks, and nothing would stop their din from his ears, but to stuff them with 
the fleeces of his own purchase. He may be found in the cool of the evening rolling 
in his chaise, with his charming shepherdess, had on when he went away, a large 
Presbyterian cloak somewhat soiled, with a full bottomed wig, and five or six 
hundred pounds of fleece from his flock. Whoever shall secure him, or set him over 
a herd of goats, till his master's will shall be known, no doubt when the flocks are 
gathered together, will meet with an ample reward. 

P. S. The reason why no inquiry has been made after him any sooner, was be- 
cause he has made several rambles before, of a month or six weeks, it was not known, 
but he would have returned again, and as there is no signs of it at present, it is likely 
there will be monthly some such inquiry made. 

The following appears in the next paper : 

This may certify all whom it may concern, that the art of barking is taught by 
Toby Ramshorn, bell-wether of the flock of G—l—d. It is unnecessary to expatiate 
on the benefit arising from the noble art, let it suffice that the flock in G — l—d 
under the instructions and directions of old Toby, have regained their liberty, driving 
away their shepherd, and are now barking at him after he is gone. Old Toby in- 
structs at the lowest price, in all the various ways of barking — teaches to bark by 
note both treble, tenor, and bass, and is preparing a treatise upon the subject of 
barking. He proposes for ready money, to bark either for religion or liberty, or 
against them ; and will bark gratis, monthly, for public good. He at present bears 
the bell in the flock at G — / — </, which is a fine flock, though we must confess very 
much hide-bound. A specimen of his barking may be seen in the last paper. If 
any man, dog, wolf, sheep, or any other kind of animal, desires to be instructed in 
this noble art, let him repair to aforesaid Toby, who with all possible cheapness and 
diligence will teach him the exercise oi ihs ivindpipe. — Barber's Conn. Hist. Collec- 
tions, 219.] 



I02 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

in his new charge until his death, which occurred Oct. i8, 
1798, in the 71st year of his age. His death was owing to the 
yellow fever, which proved fatal not only to him, but to his 
wife and several of their children. In each of his two charges 
he spent twenty-five years, and was greatly and deservedly es- 
teemed in both, as a man, a Christian and a minister. Doct. 
Ashbel Green, late president of Princeton college, who had 
been his colleague and successor, describes him, in a funeral 
sermon, as excelling in the graces of the gospel, as a good pro- 
ficient in scholastic attainments, and as an eminent theologian. 

As a preacher he had but few equals in his day, being highly 
evangelical and dwelling much on the doctrine of grace. In 
the early part of his ministry, his exertions were mainly directed 
to the extension of the great revival which then happily prevailed 
in our country. Throughout his whole life iiis labors were ad- 
mirably adapted to the promotion of experimental and vital 
religion. 

The Rev. Daniel Brewer of Springfield, Mass., also a graduate 
of Yale college (1765), succeeded Dr. Sproat, Sept. 18, 1771, 
in Guilford. Soon after this, embracing the sentiments of the 
Sandemanians, he was dismissed in 1775. In 1779 he removed 
to Newtown, Conn., and thence to Taunton, Mass., where he 
died in December 1825 in the Sad year of his age. He retained 
his Sandemanian sentiments through life, and of course never 
preached after leaving his charge in Guilford, as that denomina- 
tion admits none as preachers but Christ and his apostles, 
although they allow their professors and especially their elders 
to remark on passages of scripture read in their assemblies, and 
to deliver exhortations. Mr. Brewer was an elder in his new 
church-connection, both at Newtown and Taunton. He was 
a man of good natural abilities, respectable as a scholar and ap- 
parently pious. 

The Rev. Beriah Hotchkin, a native of Guilford but not a 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. IO3 

college graduate was ordained over the Fourth Society, Aug. 17, 
1785, and was dismissed March, 1789, in which year he re- 
moved to Greenville, N. Y., whither some of his people had 
gone before him, He was installed about 1793, and remained 
in connection with them until 1824 or 1825, when he obtained 
a dismission and removed to the county of Steuben. He con- 
tinued to preach for some time, supplying a destitute congrega- 
tion, and died February, 1829, aged seventy-eight. When Mr. 
Hotchkin, removed to Greenville, the northern parts of New 
York, from the Hudson to the region of Oneida county, as far 
west as English settlements had been extended, were almost 
wholly destitute of religious iristruction. There was not a sin- 
gle Congregational minister in this region beside himself, and 
but few of tlie Presbyterian and Reformed Dutch churches. 
He had a very happy influence in promoting the cause of the 
Redeemer in Greenville and vicinity, and in other parts of the 
state. 

Mr. Hotchkin was the last clergyman ever settled over the 
Fourth Society. Many of the members died, others removed 
or joined the First Society, until the church became extinct. 
In 1 8 10, sixteen persons who had belonged to that society, were 
returned to the First Society by an act of the legislature, and 
the society was considered at an end. The circumstances that 
led to the formation of this church and society were very un- 
happy. The town and vicinity were agitated and confused, 
but the separation does not merit, I apprehend, all that promi- 
nence which the excellent Doctor Trumbull has given to it in 
the history of this state. 

It has already been noticed that a large proportion of the first 
settlers of the town were professors of religion. A large share 
of their descendants, from generation to generation, are under- 
stood also to have been professors, but as no records of the 
First church exist of a date prior to January, 1747, it is impossi- 



104 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

ble to state precisely how many belonged to this church before 
that period. There were then one hundred and seventy-two 
members. From that period onward until the death of Mr. 
Fowler one hundred and sixteen were added. Mr. Brainard 
admitted eighty-six, and Mr. Dutton about six hundred. 

In I So I some special interest in religion prevailed, and during 
the two succeeding years more than fifty were added to the 
church. In the beginning of 1808, a revival prevailed and one 
hundred and nineteen were soon after admitted. Another re- 
vival prevailed about the close of 1820, and the beginning of 182 1, 
and one hundred and eighteen were added to the church soon 
after. In 1827, thirty-five were gathered into the church from 
a revival that occurred during that year, and from another in 
1 831, about eighty. 

[The following persons have entered the ministry from the 
First church viz. Jared Eliot, Daniel Collins, Timothy Col- 
lins, Edmund Ward, Bela Hubbard D.D. (Ep.), Samuel 
Johnson, D.D. (Ep.), Thomas Ruggles, William Seward, 
Timothy Stone, Andrew Fowler (Ep.), Thomas Ruggles, Jun., 
Joy H. Fairchild, William Leete, Jr., Thomas Dutton, Edwin 
H. Seward, Theodore A. Leete, Beriah Hotchkin, John H. 
Fowler, Henry Robinson, Sherman Griswold (Bap.), S. W. 
S. Dutton, D.D., Martin Dudley, Henry L. Hall, Edward C. 
Starr, John W. Starr.] 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



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108 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Within the local limits of the First Society an Episcopal con- 
gregation was embodied, September 5, 1744, by the Rev. Mr. 
Lyons, a missionary of " the Society for the Propagation of the 
Gospel in Foreign Parts," belonging to the Church of England. 
The conformists in January, 1746, viz: Messrs. Samuel 
Collins, Nathaniel Johnson, Edmund Ward, Ebenezer Bishop 
and John Collins, in regular meeting voted to build a church, 
which was raised the following year and opened by Rev. Samuel 
Johnson, D.D., in March, 1750, since which time the Liturgy 
of the Church of England has been employed by its members. 
The members were few in number until 1805 or 1806, when 
they received considerable accessions from the First Society. 
They enjoyed at first the occasional services of some of the 
missionaries from the society just named, and those of the Rev. 
Bela Hubbard, D.D. (Y. C, 1758), a native of Guilford, 
then residing in New Haven, from 1764 to 1767. During the 
revolutionary war it is believed that they were deprived of 
clerical ministration and so continued probably down to 1793. 
The church edifice suffered during the war greatly from plunder 
and decay, and the congregation became almost extinct. In- 
deed from the peace of 1783 to about 1793, the parish was only 
nominally in existence, but occasional services were rendered 
by Rev. Bela Hubbard, D.D. (perhaps by Rev. Andrew Fow- 
ler), and Rev. David Butler. 

The Rev. Nathan B. Burgess, a native of Washington, Conn., 
was called in 1801 to be the rector of this church and of that 
formed in North Guilford, and remained until September, 1805, 
when his connection was dissolved by mutual consent. He 
afterwards settled in Glastonbury. 

In March, 1807, the Rev. David Baldwin, of Litchfield, 
began to conduct service in Guilford, and in June, 1809, was 
inducted into office as the rector of the Episcopal parishes of 
Guilford, North Guilford and North Killingworth, in all of 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. IO9 

which he officiated until September, 1824, when he confined 
his labors to the two parishes of Guilford. In 1833, he re- 
signed the rectorate of the first parish, and his place was supplied 
by Rev. Lorenzo T. Bennett, D.D., of New Haven, a gradu- 
ate of Yale college (1825), who continued until Easter, 1835, 
when he resigned and became associated with the Rev. Doctor 
Harry Croswell over the Episcopal church in New Haven. 
In the same year the Rev. William N. Hawks was made rector 
of the Guilford parish, but in consequence of the failing of his 
voice he resigned in the following October. He was succeeded 
in the ensuing March by the Rev. Levi H. Corson (a graduate 
of Washington, now Trinity college, Hartford), who resigned 
March, 1838, and was succeeded in April by the Rev. Edward 
J. Darken. Mr. Darken resigned in 1840, and the Rev. 
Lorenzo T. Bennett, D.D., was again invited to the rectorship, 
which he retains to this day. 

The name of the parish in Guilford is Christ Church. The 
church which was consecrated in 1750, was the last edifice left 
standing on the Green, where it attracted attention for many 
years, surrounded as it was with stately poplars. In 1836, the 
enterprise of building a new edifice was un4ertaken, a little east 
of the old building on the margin of the Green. The corner 
stone was laid in the usual form by Mr. Corson, the rector of 
the parish, June 24, 1836 (the bishop of the diocese being 
absent) ; on which occasion an elegant and appropriate address 
was delivered by the Rev. Dr. L. T. Bennett. The church 
was consecrated December 12, 1838, by the Rt. Rev. Dr. 
Thomas Church Brownell, bishop of Connecticut. 

This edifice is a peculiarly beautiful gothic structure of granite, 
sixty-four feet by forty-four, and cost about 7,500 dollars. In 
1872 repairs and extensive improvements were made, and a 
recess chancel was added, at a cost of 5,000 dollars, rendering 
the edifice one of the handsomest rural churches in the diocese. 



lO 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



The following Persons have been Wardens. 




Names. 


Date of Election. 


Expiration of Office. 


Death. 


Age. 


Thomas Powers, . . . 


Nov. II, 1799, 


April 3, 1820, 


Dec. 26,1822, 


80. 


Charles Collins, 


Nov. II, 1799, 


April 3, 1820, 


Feb. 26, 1823, 


78. 


Abraham Coan, . . . . 


April 3, 1820, 


April 20, 1840, 


Feb. 14, 1863, 


88. 


Jedediah Lathrop, .. 


April 3, 1820, 


April 19, 1824, 


1859, 


91. 


Erastus C. Kimberly, 


April 19, 1824, 


April 4, 1825, 


July 17, 1875, 


80. 


re-elected, 


April 6, 1863, 


April I, 1872, 






Thomas Burgis,. . . . 


April 4, 1825, 


April 8, 1833, 


May 25, 1 861, 


90. 


re-elected, 


April 20, 1840, 


April 17, 1854, 






Henry Loper, 


April 8, 1833, 


April 6, 1863, 


Feb. 21,1873, 


82. 


John H. Bartlett,.. . 


April 17, 1854, 


April I, 1861, 


July 10, 1864, 


68. 


George A. Foote, . . . 


April I, i85l. 


April 6, 1874. 






George B. Spencer,. 


April I, 1872. 








Henry Hale, 


April 6, 1874. 








George C. Kimberly, 


April 17, 1876. 









This parish has a fund .^1,050, at interest devoted to the 
support of the gospel, of which $1000 was a legacy from Charles 
Collins and $50 from Miss Ruth Loyselle. It has also been the 
recipient of $300 from P'ranklin M. Hill. Wm. H. Hubbard, a 
native of Guilford, but for many years a resident of Richmond, 
Va., also bequeathed the sum of $10,000 to the parish, of which 
only a portion has been received, in consequence of losses ex- 
perienced by his estate during the rebellion. 

The parish of North Guilford, called St. John's church was 
organized in 1748, when a few inhabitants of North Guilford 
united together, and built a church, since which time they have 
increased considerably. In 1812 they built a new church in 
place of the old one which had become dilapidated. They were 
supplied with ministers in the same way at first as the other 
parish. 

St. John's church has a fund about $800, given by Zadoc 
Hull and George Bartlett.' - -""" 

A Baptist church Vv^as organized June 30, 1808, consisting 
of nineteen members. Elder Alvah B. Goldsmith was ordained, 



' W. H. Hubbard also left this parish, in his will, $10,000 a portion of which has 
only been paid over, in consequence of the losses experienced by his estate, already 
mentioned. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. Ill 

Feb. 24, 1823, over this society, and his father Joshua Gold- 
smith was appointed and ordained deacon at the same time. 
They met for a long time in one of the rooms of the academy 
on Sunday. 

[The Methodist Episcopal church owes its origin here to the 
labors of Rev. Nathan Kellogg who first preached in a private 
house, with a view to effect a church organization. During 
the winter of 1837-8, Rev. Charles Chittenden, from the New 
York conference, came here as a missionary, and through him 
a Methodist society was formed. The society commenced 
building a frame church, forty-eight by thirty-six feet, on the 
west side of the green during his pastorate. The timber used 
in its erection was furnished by Mr, William Hale, the pastor 
proceeding to the woods, along with some of the members, and 
helping to fell the first tree. During the erection of the church, 
service was held in private houses. The church was com- 
pleted and dedicated during the pastorate of Rev. Hart Pease 
1838-9. The original trustees were John Hale, William Hale, 
Henry GrifHn, Samuel Leete, Samuel A. Barker, Lucius Elliot, 
F. C. Phelps and A. Kelsey. 

Since Mr. Pease's departure, the following clergymen have 
been in charge. Rev. James Rawson, Rev. E. S. Stout, Rev. 
R. W. Wymond (he remained two years and received ninety 
on probation. At this time a great revival occurred in the town, 
some two hundred professing religion in the village). Rev. Ben- 
jamin Pillsbury, Rev. Lawson Turner, Rev. Julius Field, Rev. 
Chas. W. Lyon (two years). Rev. C. W. Gallagher, Rev. E. 
A. Blake, Rev. Douglass, Rev. John S. Wilson and R. 

W. Whitcomb. During the years when the church was with- 
out a regular minister, the pulpit was supplied from the Wes- 
leyan university at Middletown, Conn ] 

[The Third Congregational church. At an ecclesiastical 
council held in Guilford, November 23, 1843, one hundred and 



112 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

twenty-three persons, from the First Congregational church, were 
organized into the Third Congregational church of Guilford. 

The present house of worship was built in 1844, and dedi- 
cated to the service of God, January i, 1845. ^^ ^^^ re- 
modeled in 1862, and supplied with a suitable organ in 1873. 

The church is connected with the New Haven East Con- 
sociation. Its membership (Sept. 18, 1876) is 228, and the 
Sabbath school connected with the church numbers 306. The 
church has been served by the following pastors : 

Rev. David Root, the first pastor, was born in Piermont, N. 
H., June 17, 1791. He graduated at Middlebury college, Vt., 
and there studied for the ministry. Went to Georgia to preach 
about 1818, andthere married Miss AlmiraAlden of Connecticut. 
About the year 1820 he became pastor of the Second Presby- 
terian church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Removed thence to Dover, 
N. H., where he married, as his second wife, Miss Mary Gor- 
don. Next he went to Philadelphia, where he became pastor 
of the First Congregational church, after which he removed to 
Waterbury, Conn., where he was installed, in July, 1841, pastor 
of the First Congregational church. Having been duly dis- 
missed in 1844 from this church, he was installed pastor of the 
Third churcii, Guilford, January i, 1845. Being dismissed 
from the church, at his own request, April 6, 185 1, he did not 
again resume ministerial labors. The remainder of his days he 
spent in New Haven, and with his son-in-law Horace White, 
Esq., in Chicago, at which latter place he died August 30, 
1873. ^'^ remains were brought to Guilford, and interred in 
Alderbrook cemetery. The monument, marking his grave, 
bears this inscription : 

Rev. David Root, pastor of the Third Congregational church, 
Guilford, 1845-1850. Born in Piermont, N. H., June 17, 
1791, died in Chicago, Illinois, Aug. 30, 1873, aged 82. 

A faithful and fearless servant of God the father of our Lord 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. IIJ 

Jesus Christ. A pioneer and untiring laborer in the anti-slavery 
cause. A man of active benevolence, and a diligent promoter 
of Christian education. His memory is lovingly cherished by 
those with whom he dwelt, and his influence remains to bless 
coming generations. 

Rev. Richard Manning Chipman, the second pastor, was 
born at Salem, Mass., January 12, 1806, the eldest of twelve 
children of Deacon Richard M. and Elizabeth (Grey) Chipman. 
He prepared for college at Kimball Union academy, Moriton, 
N. H., and graduated at Dartmouth college, 1832. He studied 
for the Christian ministry in the Theological seminary, Prince- 
ton, N. J., and in the theological department of the University 
of New York. During the years 1833 and 1834 he was cor- 
responding secretary of the American Peace Society, and editor 
of their periodical. The Calumet^ in New York. He was 
ordained pastor of the Congregational church in Harwinton, 
Conn., March 4, 1835, and dismissed from the same March 13, 
1839. In 1839 he was elected professor of theology in the 
Oneida (Collegia}) institute at Whitesboro, N. Y., and also 
invited to the pastorate of the Congregational church in South 
Norwalk, Conn., both of which overtures he declined. He 
was pastor of the Evangelical (Congregational) church in Athol, 
Mass., from August 15, 1839 to December 23, 1851, and of 
the Third Congregational church of Guilford from Jan. 14, 
1852 to May 19, 1858. Since then he has been acting pastor 
of Congregational churches at Wolcottville in Torrington, 
Conn., 1859-1861, at Middle Haddam in Chatham, Conn., 
1 86 1-1863, at Hyde Park, Mass., 1864-6, at East Granby, 
Conn., 1866-70, and from 187 1 at Lisbon, Conn. In 1863-4 
he was in the service of the National Freedman's Relief Com- 
mission of Salem, Mass. 

Mr. C. has published among others ; 

15 



114 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

1. Discourse on Ecclesiastical Prosperity, delivered at dedi- 
cation of church at Terry villa in Plymouth, Conn., 1838. 

2. Discourse on Free Discussion, delivered at Harwinton, 
Conn., 1839. 

3. Discourse on Maintenance of Moral Purity, delivered at 
Athol, Mass., 1841. 

4. Memoir of Eli Thorp, 1842. 

5. The history of Harwinton, Conn., i860. 

6. The Chipman Lineage, particularly as in Essex Co., 
Mass., 1872. 

Mr. Chipman married June 11, 1835, Mary, second daughter 
of Rev. Fosdic and Elizabeth (Bunnel) Harrison, then of 
Roxbury, Conn. His only child is Richard Harrison Chipman, 
born January 19, 1837. 

Rev. George IngersoU Wood, the third pastor, was born at 
Stamford, Conn., May, 20, 18 14, being the second son of Hon. 
Joseph and Fanny (Ellsworth) Wood. His mother was a 
daughter of Oliver Ellsworth, second chief justice of the United 
States. Mr. W. graduated at Yale college in the class of 1833, 
studied law for two years with his father, spent a year in the 
Divinity school at New Haven, and completed his theological 
education in the Union Theological seminary of New York, 
in 1838. He was ordained pastor of the Second Presbyterian 
church, in Washington, D. C, May 18, 1840, whence, after 
two years ministry, he was called to the pastorate of the Con- 
gregational church of West Hartford, where he was installed 
and remained for a few years until ill-health obliged him to ask 
a dismission. From 1844 to 1850 he supplied the pulpit of the 
First Congregational church in North Branford, Conn., when 
he was installed pastor of the church in Ellington, Conn., June 
26, 1850. A bronchial difficulty interfering with his perform- 
ance of ministerial duty, and having in vain sought relief by rest 
and a voyage to Europe, his request for a dismission was re- 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. II5 

luctantly granted February 20, 1854. After resting for a year, 
he again supplied the pulpit in North Branford, Conn., for three 
years, at the end of which time he was called to Guilford and 
installed as pastor of the Third Congregational church, Novem- 
ber 30, 1858, where he remained until October 2, 1867, when 
the recurrence of the bronchial trouble compelled him to resign. 
For eighteen months after this, he lived in St, Cloud, Minne- 
sota, where he preached most of the time in the First Congre- 
gational church. On his return to the east he took up his 
residence in Ellington, Conn., supplying the pulpit of the church 
there for a year and a half. He now preaches occasionally in 
different parts of the state. 

Mr. Wood married April 24, 1840, Susan T., daughter of 
Rev. Samuel and Clarina B. Merwin of New Haven, by whom 
he had four children. 

Rev. George M. Boynton, the fourth pastor, was born in 
Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1837. He graduated at Yale college in 
the class of 1858, and at the Union Theological seminary in 
New York city in 1863. He was ordained pastor of the Pres- 
byterian church at Riverdale, N. Y. (now included in the city 
of New York). He was installed pastor of the Third church, 
Guilford, June 24., 1868, and dismissed, December i, 1872, 
from that relation to become pastor of the Belleville avenue 
Congregational church, in Newark, N. J,, where he is laboring 
at the present time. 

Rev. Geo. W. Banks, the fifth and present pastor, was born 
at Greenfield Hill, Fairfield, Conn., July 11, 1839. He grad- 
uated at Yale college in the class of 1863, and at the Yale 
Theological seminary in 1866. He was ordained, October 3, 
1866, pastor of the Congregational church in Bethlehem, Conn., 
and dismissed March 11, 1874. He was installed pastor of the 
Third church, June 18, 1874.] 



ii6 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



The following Persons have been chosen as Deacons in the 
Third Church. 



Name. 


Date of Election. 


Death. 


Age. 


Asher Dudley, 

Leverett Griswold,. . 


December 8, 1843, 
March 8, 1844. 
March 8, 1844. 
September 12, 1852. 
March 11, 1877. 
May 13, 1877. 


October 29, 1862, 


92. 


Alfred G. Hull, 




Henry E. Norton, 





Of the three hundred and thirty three families living, in 1838, 
within the bounds of the located parishes of Guilford, two 
hundred and twenty- three were Congregationalists, fifty-seven 
Episcopalians, thirty-five Baptists, four Methodists and fourteen 
Nothingarians. 

[The Roman catholics first met together in Guilford, as a 
distinct religious body in 1854. Their first meetings were held 
in the old stone house, once the residence of Rev. Henry Whit- 
field. In i860, they purchased a small building on Harbor 
street and fitted it up as a chapel, in which they continued to 
meet for several years. In 1876 they erected a handsome church 
on the corner of Harbor and High streets in which some thirty 
families find suitable accommodations, and where public wor- 
ship is statedly maintained.] 

The people in North Guilford, having been incorporated as 
a society by an act of legislature passed in May 1720, went 
forward and built themselves a house of worship in 1 723. Their 
second house was erected in 1814. Mr. Samuel Russel (Y. 
C, 1712), son of the Rev. Samuel Ru?sel minister of the church 
in Branford, one of the founders of Yale college and son of the 
Rev. John Russel for some time a minister at Wethersfield and 
afterwards at Hadley, Mass., where he became so distinguished 
as a protector of the regicides. Judges Goffe and Whalley — 
was the first clergyman of this parish. Bearing the character 
of a faithful and worthy minister of the gospel, he died Jan. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. II7 

19, 1746, in the fifty-third year of his age. The number ad- 
mitted by him to the church is unknown. 

The Rev. John Richards of Waterbury, who, as well as Mr. 
Russel was a graduate (1745), of Yale college, and his successor 
and son-in-law, was ordained at North Guilford, Nov. 2, 1748, 
and dismissed, at his request, by the consociation Dec. 25, 1765. 
After his dismission he resided sometime at Watertown, where 
he had no charge, when he removed to New Concord in the 
town of Chatham, New York, where at length he gathered a 
church and was installed its pastor 1771, but was dismissed at 
the close of the year 1773. He removed afterwards to Pier- 
mont. New Hampshire, where he gathered another church and 
was soon after again installed its pastor. In advanced life he 
was dismissed a third time. He then retired to New Hampton 
in the same state, where he died in 18 11, aged eighty-five. He 
admitted eighty-five persons to the church in North Guilford. 

The Rev. Thomas Wells Bray, a native of Branford, who 
had spent most of his youth in Farmington, also a graduate 
(1765), of Yale college, was ordained minister of this parish, 
December 31, 1766, and died April 23, 1808, in the seventieth 
year of his age. Mr. Bray was a man of good judgment and 
examplary piety, a plain, serious preacher. He admitted one 
hundred and fifty-two members to the communion, and fifteen 
more were admitted in the interval between his death and the 
ordination of his successor. 

The Rev. William Fowler Vaill, of East Haddam, was or- 
dained pastor December 21, 1808. Mr. Vaill was a graduate 
(1866), of Yale college, and fitted quite a number of young 
men for that institution. In April 20, 1820, Mr. V. being in- 
vited to take charge of the missionary station at Union, in 
Arkansas territory, he accepted and removed there soon after, 
where he remained until 1833, when he returned to the east 
and preached in various portions of the state. He died at 



Il8 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Wethersfield, 111., in the year 1865. During his ministry here 
and previous to the ordination of his successor thirty-four per- 
sons were admitted to the church. 

The Rev. Zolva Whitmore was settled here Sept. 5, 1821. 
He was a native of Rutland, Vermont, and a graduate of Union 
college. [At his own request, in the twenty-fifth year of his 
ministry, he was dismissed August 31, 1846. He removed first 
to Great Barrington, Mass., thence to Vermont, where he was 
in charge of a church for two years, thence to North Becket, 
and Chester Factory, Mass., where he died Aug, 5, 1867. 

After Mr. Whitmore's dismissal the church was supplied 
until January 1848, by Messrs, Hoadley, Gurnsey, Grosvenor, 
Taylor and Smith. 

Rev. John L. Ambler, was the acting pastor during the year 
1848. He was followed by the Rev, Henry Eddy (Yale col- 
lege, 1832), as acting pastor from January 1849, ^<^ March 
1 85 1. Mr. Eddy took the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 
185 1, and is now engaged in the practice of that profession in 
Bridgeport, Conn, 

Rev. Fosdic Harrison was the acting pastor from November, 
1851 to November 1854, During his ministrations there was 
a revival in the summer of 1853, ^'^"^ eleven were added to the 
church by profession. 

Rev. Abraham C, Baldwin (Bowdoin college, 1827, and A. 
M. of Yale college 1843), ^^^^^ '^^ pastor from December 10, 
1854, to October 28, 1855. During his service the church 
edifice was repaired and the interior entirely renewed at a cost 
of .1^1,100. 

Rev. Thomas Rice Dutton (Yale college, 1837), was the 
acting pastor from December 9, 1855, to May I, 1859. His 
ministrations were zealous and faithful, and thirty-seven were 
added to the membership of the church, twenty-four of whom 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. II9 

were the result of a revival during the spring and summer of 
1858. 

Rev. Richard Crittenden (Oberlin college,) acted as supply 
from July 16, 1859, was ordained pastor August I, i860, re- 
maining until April, 17, 1864, and was dismissed September, 
1864. Mr. C. was very active in the Sunday school. 

Rev. William Howard acted as supply from August, 1864, 
was installed December 20, 1865, and dismissed September, 
1875, when he removed to Northfield, Litchfield county. Conn. 
His ministry was exceedingly acceptable to his people and emi- 
nently successful. 

Rev. William B. Curtis (Yale college, 1840), has been 
acting pastor since July, 1875. 

A revival took place in the summer and autumn of 1808, 
while Mr. Vaill was laboring here as a candidate, which was 
followed by the admission of thirty-eight persons to the church 
in that and the two following years. A similar revival in 1820- 
21, was followed by the admission of seventeen. From the re- 
vival of 1827 an equal number was received, and from that of 
1831, eleven persons. 

The following Persons have been chosen Deacons of this 
Church. 



Names. 



Time of Election. 



Age. 



George Bartlett, , 

William Dudley, , 

Theophilus Rossiter, Esq. 
Simeon Chittenden, Esq.,. 

Selah Dudley, 

John Bartlett, 

Robert Griffing, 

Joel Rose, 

Levi Chittenden, 

Timothy Rossiter, 

Benjamin Rossiter, 

Wm.R. Collins, 

Samuel W. Dudley, 

John R. Rossiter, 



probably June, 1725, 
probably June, 1725, 
October 5, 1760,. . . 
October 25, 1760,. . 
Feb., 1763, 



June 14, 1 8 10, 
Nov. 14, 1825, 
Dec. II, 1825. 

May, 1856 

May, 1856 



Sept. 23, 1765, 
Feb. 28, 1761, 
April 9, 1771, 
April 12, 1779, 
Oct. 14, 1797, 
March 13, 1801 
Nov. 6, 1796, 
March 27, 1 8 31 
Nov. n, 1835, 
Feb. 26, 1835, 
Nov. 20, 1866, 



I20 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

The members of this society have (1838) a fund for the 
support of the gospel of about $1700, derived from the sale of 
lands given by the proprietors of lands in Guilford. 

In 1838, of the one hundred and five families in North Guil- 
ford, sixty-one were Congregationalists (six of which attended 
worship in Northford, a parish of North Branford, as being 
more convenient), thirty-two Episcopalians, four Methodists, and 
the rest of no denomination. 

A number of residents and natives of Guilford have been dis- 
tinguished in civil life, and brief biographical sketches of a few 
of these arc herewith appended. 

Samuel Disborough, ' one of the first settlers of the town and 
one of the seven pillars of the church at its first formation here, 
has been already mentioned as a magistrate, and as holding courts 
in the town with three or four deputies appointed by the freemen 
for that purpose. He was associated with Gov. Eaton, Gov. 
Leete and other distinguished men in forming and establishing 
the combination and government of the New Haven colony 
in 1643, and, while in this country as one of its magistrates and 
the civil father of one of its towns, shared some of its highest 
honors. Upon his return to England with Mr. Whitfield, says 
President Stiles in his History of the Judges (p. 35) quoting from 
Noble, he became one of the commissioners of the revenues, 
and in the same year represented the city of Edinburgh in 
parliament at a council held at Whitehall, May 4, 1655. He 
was appointed one of the nine counsellors of the kingdom of 
Scotland, and the same year keeper of the great seal of that 



[' Samuel Disborow was born on the manor of Ettisley in Cambridgeshire, on the 
30th of November, 1619, and was the third surviving son of James Disborow, 
Esquirt, and a younger bi other of the famous Major General John Disborow who 
married Jane Cromwell a sister of the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, and was a 
member of several parliaments and one of the judges appointed to try Charles I. 
Mr. Samuel Disborow studied law with his brother John Disborow, who in early life 
was a barrister.] 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 121 

nation and allowed £2000 annually. The year following he 
was returned a member of the British parliament for the sheriff- 
dom of Midlothian, and was continued in all his employments 
under the Protector Richard. Burton, who kept a diary of the 
doings of Cromwell's parliament, of which he was a member, 
makes frequent and honorable mention of Samuel Disborough 
?.s one of the most active and talented members of that body. 
" This shows him," says President Stiles, " a man of political 
abilities to sustain so many and such high betrustments with the 
reputation and acceptance with which he discharged them." 

William Leete, also one of the first settlers of the town, and 
one of the pillars of Mr. Whitfield's church, received the 
highest honors which the colony of New Haven, and, after the 
union of that colony with Connecticut, which the united gov- 
ernment, could give. He was bred to the law in England, and 
served as a clerk for a considerable time in the bishop's court 
at Cambridge, where observing the oppressions and cruelties 
then practiced on the conscientious and virtuous Puritans, he 
was led to examine more thoroughly their doctrines and practice, 
and eventually to become a Puritan himself and to give up his 
office. Coming over to New England with Mr. Whitfield, he 
enjoyed his religion and had an opportunity to serve his brethren 
in his station, for which his ability and education happily fitted 
him. From 165 1 until 1658, he was the magistrate of the town, 
and one of the court of magistrates for the jurisdiction of the 
New Haven colony for a much longer period. In 1658 he was 
chosen deputy governor and continued in that office until 166 1, 
when he was elected governor of the colony, which dignity he 
held until the union with Connecticut in 1664. Upon this 
union he was elected magistrate, and then in Connecticut from 
1669 until 1676, deputy governor, when he was chosen governor, 
which office he held until his death. " For forty years," says 
Doctor Trumbull, "he was magistrate, deputy governor or 
16 



122 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

governor of one or other of the colonies. In both colonies he 
presided in times of the greatest difficulty, yet always conducted 
himself with integrity and wisdom so as to meet the public ap- 
probation." He was the chief magistrate of the county court 
of New Haven county, after its formation in 1664, and held 
that office until his removal to Hartford on his election to the 
office of governor. After that time he remained there managing 
the affairs of the government of the whole colony until his 
death, April 16, 1683, full of days and full of honors. His 
tombstone was discovered somewhere about 1830 at Hartford, 
on removing some earth that had been allowed to accumulate in 
the ancient burial yard of that place. 

Governor Leete left a numerous family in Guilford, where 
many of his descendants still remain, while others have removed 
to other parts of the state. His eldest son John, who died 
Nov. 25, 1692, aged about fifty-three, is said to have been the 
first white person born in Guilford. Governor Leete's first 
wife came from England with him. Her name was Anna Leete. 
The stone cellar in which the governor kindly secreted and 
nourished Genls. Whalley and GofFe, so particularly described 
in President Stiles's History of the 'Judges'^ still remains. It is 



[' " The governor's house was situated on the eastern bank of the rivulet (West 
river) that passes through Guilford. He had a store on the bank a few rods from 
his house, and under it a cellar remaining to this day, and which I lately (1793) 
visited and viewed with attention. It is, as I have said, still in the general and 
concurrent tradition at Guilford, that the judges were concealed and lodged in this 
cellar several nights, most say three days and three nights, when the governor was 
afraid to see them. A daughter of Governor Leete afterwards married in New Haven 
to Mr. (John) Trowbridge. It is an anecdote, still preserved in the family, that she 
used often to say, when she was a little girl, these good men lay concealed some time 
in this cellar of her father's store ; but that she did not know it till afterwards : that 
she well remembered that at the time of it, she and the rest of the children were 
strictly prohibited from going near that store for some days, and that she and the 
children wondered at it and could not conceive the reason of it at that time, though 
they knew afterwards. Tradition says that they were however constantly supplied 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 1 23 

on the west side of the borough, near the bank of the West 
river, and on the property formerly owned by Timothy Stone, 
Esq., and now by his daughters. The site is now covered by 
a barn and other out buildings. 

Andrew Leete, Esquire, son of the preceding, possessed a 
liberal portion of the excellencies of his father. He was early 
appointed commissioner or justice of the peace, and had principal 
concern in managing the affairs of the town. In 1677 he was 
elected an assistant in the colony, and annually re-elected until 
his death Oct. 31, 1702. He is said to have had the principal 
agency in recovering the charter of the colony, during the time 
Major Andross usurped the government, and that he kept it for 
a season in his house. He appears to have been a man of infirm 
health, most of his life subject to fits of epilepsy, which im- 
paired his usefulness. For a number of years he was one of 
the justices of the county court for New Haven county. He 
married a daughter of Thomas Jordan, Esq., one of the princi- 
pal settlers, and, after the return of his father-in-law to England 
about 1660, occupied his estate and dwelling-house, on the 
northwest corner of the green. 

Josiah Rossiter, son of Doctor Bryan Rossiter, for many 
years town clerk and one of the principal men in the town, was 
elected an assistant in i 701, and annually reelected to that station 
afterwards until May, 1711. He died January 31, 1716. 

Abraham Fowler, Esq., sustained the same station as Mr. 
Rossiter from 17 1 2 to 1720, and was also one of the justices 



with victuals from the governor's table sent to them by the maid, who long after 
was wont to glory in it, that she had seen those heavenly men." Stiles\ History of the 
Judges, page 92. The time of this concealment must have been between June 11, 
and 20, 1660. " Here and at Mr. Rossiter's they spent above a week, while it was 
deliberated whether the surrendery could or could not be put off, or at least deferred. 
Finally, their friends would not suffer them to surrender at this time ; and it was 
concluded that they should retire again to their concealment." — Stiks's Hist., page 
45-] 



124 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

of the county court for New Haven county, in which position 
he was distinguished for his firmness and good judgment. He 
died December 5, 1720. ^ 

Abraham Bradley 3d, iwho was at one time deputy post master 
general, was born in Guilford, December ii, 1731. In a letter 
written to Medad Stone (who kept the stage house and post 
office on the public square), dated Washington city, August 15, 
1 8 12, he states that he had been born at the lower end of 
Crooked lane, had been a resident in six different states of 
the Union, and had then resided a little more than a year in 
Washington. He also encloses some verses, which are as 
follows : 

An Address to Guilford. 

How shall I sing with becoming grace 
The high respect due to my native place ? 
To thee, O Guilford, gratitude is due, 
In thee, at first the vital air I drew ; 
In thee I first received the visual ray, — 
Therefore to thee I will due homage pay. 

The keen sensations nature has designed 
To form impressions on the tender mind, — 
The childish sports, the pure and playful joys 
Which give a relish to the taste of boys, 
Leave grateful traits which to the man adheres. 
Inseparable through revolving years. 
And which, though busy life may disengage, 
Again recur in the decline of age. 

The Indians there had unknown ages dwelt — 
Men, who the softer passions seldom felt. 
To whom were arts and sciences unknown; 
Who knew no common interest nor their own. 
Wild flesh, wild fruits, their food, but oft'ner fish 
And clams and oysters their more common dish, 
Skins of wild animals for raiment served; 
They oft with cold and oft with hunger starved. 

These sons of nature held the right of soil. 
On which, however, they disdained to toil ; 
Void of invention, iron they had none — 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 12^ 

Their edge tools all were made of shell or stone. 
Menunkatuck was the Indian name, 
When to the English they transferred their claim, 
On contract fair their right they did assign, 
September, sixteen hundred, thirty-nine. 

Pleased with the site, they now enjoyed the purchase, 
Cleared up the ground, built fences, houses, churches, 
Soon did the savage howl and yelling cease, 
Succeeded by religion, love, and peace, 
And 'tis among their heirs and their assigns 
Now happiness resides and virtue shines. 

The rapid changes of the human race 

Every day and moment taking place. 

Must, while a full half century has run down. 

Make me a stranger in my native town. 

For my coevals now are chiefly gone, 

To distant bournes, perhaps to worlds unknown. 

Except some few whom fate denied the boon 

Of a removal into Heaven so soon. 

Meanwhile a younger race, a different age, 
Has risen up to occupy the stage. 
Tet oft I think of Guilford with delight, 
And feel full half way there while this I write. 

Though edifices elegant and new 

Present themselves to the spectator's view. 

And tho' the old are levelled with the ground 

And rarely any vestige to be found. 

And tenements and tenants change their name. 

The ancient landscape still must be the same. 

E'en now my recollection brings to view 

The scenes long past and people once I knew. 

Their simple manners and their social glee. 

Philanthropy to all, good will to me. 

Morals humane, pacific, mild and just, 

(Tho' some too much to doubtful faith might trust), 

Virtues, in which they might indulge more pride 

Than those of any other spot on earth beside. 

And tho' the produce of their grav'ly soil 

But ill renumerates the farmer's toil. 

Economy and commerce lend their aid 

So they're as blest as under Eden's shade. 



126 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



Crooked Lane. 

And still I feel an impulse to maintain 

The ancient honors of old Crooked Lane, 

A people whom the arts ne'er taught to stray 

Among the stars or climb the milky way. 

Here enterprise was ever a recluse, ' 

And dormant slept the genius and the muse. 

Here proud ambition never fixed his throne 

And maddening politics were little known. 

The gilded demons, wealth, and power, and fame, 

To them were but the whistling of a name. 

No flags have they in distant seas unfurled. 

Nor sought the subjugation of a world, 

Content at home as foxes in their holes, 

Nor pride nor envy fired their souls, 

But when tobacco smoke perfumed their noses. 

Felt wise as Solomon, and meek as Moses. 

In erudition sought no greater glory 

Than of some witch to hear and tell the story. 

The way their fathers trod, supinely bred to tread 

Without enquiring to what goal it led. 

Honesty, banished from the proud and great. 

Set up in Crooked Lane her humble seat. 

'Tis thought they stood as good a chance for Heaven 

As Mary Magdalene purged of her seven. 

When now Thanksgiving takes her yearly circuit. 
It is a merry farce the way they work it. 
Molasses they must have and quick in search on't 
Each with his jug runs nimbly to the merchant; 
And if this noblest luxury can be had 
Their eyes are lively and their face how glad ! 
If not they must adjourn for that same reason 
The giving thanks unto another season. 
For pies and puddings sweet, as well as tarts, 
The great incentives are to thankful hearts. 
And they were never brought to such a pass as 
To celebrate this feast without molasses. 

A Sunday coat held good, unnumbered years. 
However oft meanwhile the fashion veers : 
May be transferred, from father down to son, 
As long as grass shall grow, or water run. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 127 

'Tis on this spot, this paradise of earth, 

(Pardon my arrogance), I boast my birth. 

Though this indeed it were not need confest. 

For so, who reads these lines would sure have guessed. 

Now what I write I let my readers know 

Relates to facts of seventy years ago. 

If any change for better or for worse 

Has since occurred — pray what is that to us — 

Some rising bard may in a fitting strain, 

The present state depict of Crooked Lane. 

James Hooker, Esq., first judge of the court of probate for 
the district of Guilford, was a native of Farmington and re- 
moved hereabout 1700. He married the daughter of William 
Leete, Jr., and held a distinguished place in the esteem of the 
people until his death, March 12, 1740. 

Colonel Samuel Hill was a native of this town, and during his 
life time one of the principal regulators of its affairs. He was 
chosen town clerk in 17 17, and was afterwards made clerk of 
the proprietors of the town until his death. In 1 720, at the 
formation of the probate court for Guilford district, he was 
chosen clerk, and, on the death of Judge Hooker, in 1740, 
judge of that court, which position he held until his death in 
1752. He was also, for a considerable period, judge of the 
county court for the county of New Haven, and one of the 
principal magistrates of the town. He always sustained a high 
character for integrity, uprightness, firmness and perhaps stern- 
ness of principle. His son Nathaniel Hill and grandson Henry 
Hill, were both eminent men in the town, county and state, 
and each in his day was clerk and afterwards judge of the pro- 
bate court for this district, for a great length of time. 

Nathaniel Hill, Col. Timothy Stone, Gen. Andrew Ward, 
Nathaniel Rossiter, and Nathaniel Griffing, Esq., were justices 
of the county court for the county of New Haven for con- 
siderable periods, and for many successive years enjoyed the 
highest honors in the gift of the town. 



128 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Abraham Baldwin was a native of North Guilford. He 
graduated in Yale college, 1772, and was a tutor from 1775 
until 1779. His attention was first directed to theology ; he 
became a candidate for the ministry, and was a chaplain in the 
Continental army through several of the last years of the revo- 
lutionary war. At the close of the war, at the request of a 
friend, Gen. Greene, he removed to the state of Georgia, where 
he relinquished the ministry and entered the profession of law, 
in which he rose to great eminence as also in his civil career. 
His talents and patriotism were too conspicuous to remain 
unnoticed even among strangers. He was soon elected a 
representative to the legislature of his adopted state, and in 
1784, a member of the old congress, continuing in that situation 
until the national constitution superseded the system of govern- 
ment then in existence. He was a distinguished member of the 
convention which formed the present constitution of the United 
States and, upon the organization of the new government, was 
chosen a member of congress under the same, and so continued 
without interruption until he was promoted by the citizens of 
the state to a more exalted station, being chosen member of the 
United States senate, in which office he continued until his 
death, March 4, 1807, at the city of Washington, in the 53d 
year of his age, in the midst of his usefulness and surrounded 
with honors. It is a remarkable circumstance, and an instance 
of assiduity almost without a parallel that, during his long con- 
gressional life, he was never known to be absent a single hour 
during the session of congress, on account of indisposition or any 
other cause, until the week preceding his death. He was a 
man of great industry and talents, and his distinguished patriotism, 
learning and public services shed an honor on his native state as 
well as on that of his adoption. In 1785, he was placed at the 
head of the system of education then adopted in Georgia, and 
was the founder of a college at Athens, in that state, of which he 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 129 

was president for some years. He was a man of extensive 
benevolence, living in an eventful and important period of our 
history and filling such high and responsible stations in the 
forming and maturing of our general government as well as of 
the government and literature of Georgia, he will descend to 
posterity among the names of the most illustrious men of our 
country. Baldwin county, including Milledgeville the capital 
of Georgia, derived its name from him. 

The Rev. Samuel Johnson, D.D., son of Samuel Johnson 
and grandson of William Johnson, one of the principal settlers 
of the town, was a native of Guilford, being born Oct. 14, 1696. 
He was a graduate of Yale college in 1 7 14, and was tutor in 
the same institution from 1716 to 17 19. In 1 720 he was or- 
dained at West Haven, the south parish of Orange in this state, 
being the first minister settled over that church. In 1722 he 
declared for Episcopacy, and was distinguished as the first con- 
vert to that denomination in Connecticut. Soon after, and during 
the same year, he was dismissed from his charge and sailed for 
England in company with Mr. Cutler, president of Yale college 
and Mr. Browne one of its tutors, together with Mr. Wetmore 
of New Haven, where they obtained ordination according to the 
Episcopal form. Mr. Johnson returned to Connecticut and 
was employed by " the society for the propagation of the Gospel 
in foreign parts" as the missionary to Stratford in this state. 
He entered the field of labor assigned him in 1723, and con- 
tinued in the same until his election to the presidency of King's 
(now Columbia) college in the city of New York, in 1754, 
preaching to the Episcopalians of Stratford and its vicinity, and 
occasionally in his native town. He discharged the duties of 
president of King's college from 1754 until 1763, when he re- 
signed and returned to Stratford, resuming his former charge 
and continuing in the same until his death in his chair, epiphany, 
January 6, 1772, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. Dr. 
17 



130 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Johnson was distinguished for his literary and popular talents 
and acquirements, was genteel and engaging in his manners, and 
of great personal worth. It is said by a gentleman of his church 
that the whole course of Dr. Johnson's life, was a practical 
commentary on the beneficial influence of a firm adherence to 
principles. 

Thomas Chittenden, the first governor of Vermont, was also 
a native of this town. His father's name was Ebenezer Chit- 
tenden, grandson of William Chittenden, one of the first settlers 
of the town. His father removed to East Guilford in the early 
settlement of that town. He married the daughter of Samuel 
Johnson and sister of the Rev. Dr. Samuel Johnson of Stratford. 
His eldest son Ebenezer Chittenden 2d, who settled in New 
Haven, possessed great mechanical genius. He invented a 
machine for bending and cutting card teeth with a single move- 
ment, and one or two other curious machines. The late cele- 
brated Eli Whitney had an exalted opinion of his skill and 
judgment as a mechanic. Thomas Chittenden, brother of the 
last mentioned, was born in 1730 and, at the age of twenty-one 
years, removed to Salisbury in this state, where he remained 
until 1773, when he removed a second time to Williston on 
Onion river in Vermont. While in Salisbury, although he had 
enjoyed only the advantages of a common education, his good 
sense secured him the esteem and honors of his fellow-citizens, 
who repeatedly elected him representative to the legislature, 
and from whom he held the office of justice of the peace and 
commissions in the militia of that region through the various 
ranks up to the command of a regiment. After his removal 
from Salisbury to Williston, the troubles and dangers connected 
with the revolutionary war rendered it necessary for him again 
to remove. He purchased an estate at Arlington, where he 
resided until 1787, when he returned to Williston, where he 
spent the remainder of his days. When the general convention 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. IJI 

was held at Westminster, January, 1777, which declared Ver- 
mont an independent state," he was the only person among the 
members, who had ever before sat in the capacity of a legislator. 
He was on the committee to report to congress, the proceedings 
of the inhabitants, and to solicit the admission of their district 
into the American union. The next year he was elected governor 
of the state, and was re-elected each succeeding year, except one, 
until his death, August 24, 1797, in the sixty-eight year of his 
age. During the early years of his administration the state had 
to contend with great difficulties. It was threatened with in- 
vasion by the British forces from Canada, and its independence 
was not yet acknowledged by congress. He had the wisdom to 
pursue a course of measures, which saved the state from inva- 
sion and secured its admission finally into the union. At the 
time of this admission General Washington observed, in 1791, 
that Gov. Chittenden deserved well of his country for the wis- 
dom, patriotism and firmness he had displayed in managing the 
affairs of his adopted state. 

Governor Chittenden was clearly a man of superior natural 
abilities, of keen discernment, well acquainted with human na- 
ture, uncommonly skilled in reconciling discordant parties, and 
capable of forming and accomplishing important designs. He 
was a great blessing to Vermont and saw it rising up under his 
government from a small beginning to strength and importance. 
He was kind and liberal to the poor and distressed, and a sincere 
professor of the religion of Jesus Christ. In his manners and 
personal appearance he was rough, blunt and uneducated, yet 
his bluntness was so seasoned with frankness and benevolence 
that he was universally beloved wherever he was known, and 
the citizens of his adopted state have named one of their counties 
after him in honor of his memory. 

William Todd, Esquire, was a native of East Guilford. He 
was the son of Doctor Jonathan Todd, and grandson of the 



132 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Rev. Jno. Todd, the second clergyman of that parish. He 
graduated at Yale college in 1806, and was admitted to the bar 
in 1809. [After practising his profession for almost a quarter 
of a century in Guilford, and securing the confidence and esteem 
of his fellow-citizens, he died October 8, 1831.] 

[Fitz-Greene Halleck, the poet, was born in Guilford, 
July 8, 1790. His father was Israel Halleck, who married 
Mary Eliot, a descendant of the Rev. John Eliot, "the apostle 
to the Indians." He began to make verses at an early age, and 
several poems are still extant written at the age of ten. At 
fifteen he entered a store in Guilford as clerk, where he re- 
mained until 1 8 II, when he became a clerk in the banking-house 
of Jacob Barker in New York. In 1822 he made a visit to 
Europe, during which he enjoyed the opportunity of meeting 
some of the most distinguished literary men of that country. 
After eighteen years connection with the house of Barker, he left 
the same and devoted himself for a short time solely to literary 
pursuits. In 1832, however, he entered the counting-house of 
John Jacob Astor, where he remained for sixteen years, until 
the death of the latter. Mr. Astor left Mr. Halleck an annuity 
of two hundred dollars, to which his son, William B. Astor, 
added a gift often thousand dollars. Early in the year 1849 ^^ 
returned to Guilford, and made it his home until his death, 
which occurred Nov. 19, 1867. For many years his residence 
was the house, now occupied as a hotel, opposite the southwest 
corner of the green. He was buried in Alderbrook cemetery, 
and a monument, erected to his memory by his friends and ad- 
mirers, was formally dedicated July 8, 1869, on which occasion 
an oration was pronounced by Bayard Taylor, and the following 
original sonnet read by his friend and brother-poet George 
Hill: 

" In thee no gorgeous capital, no mart, 
Known whereso'er a wave rolls, though we see, 
Yet Guilford, even thine no humble part 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. IJJ 

In memory's pageant henceforth e'er shall be. 
The earth that heaps thy relics, Halleck, where 
No name more famed sepulchral shaft shall bear. 
Full many a pilgrim-band from many a shore 
Shall wend to greet, till time shall be no more j 
The spot, henceforth to genius ever dear, 
Shall gladly hail nor quit without a tear; 
Some strain of thy imperishable lyre 
Recall, and, ere reluctant he retire. 
Exclaim, " In thee, O Fame's lamented son, 
A thousand poets we have lost in one." 

In 1837, Mr. Halleck received the honorary degree of master 
of arts from Columbia college, New York. 

The following poem written for the occasion by Oliver 
Wendell Holmes, was ali^o read by Gen. James Grant Wilson, 
through whose instrumentality mainly the money for the monu- 
ment had been collected : 

Say not the poet dies ! 

Though in the dust he lies. 
He cannot forfeit his melodious breath, 

Unsphered by envious death ; 
Life drops the voiceless myriads from its roll ; 

Their fate he cannot share, 

Who, in the enchanted air 
Sweet with the lingering strains that echo stole. 
Has left his dearer self, the music of his soul. 

We o'er his tomb may raise 

Our notes of feeble praise, 
And carve with pious care for after eyes 

The stone with " Here he lies ;" 
He for himself has built a noble shrine, 

Whose walls of stately rhyme 

Roll back the tide of time. 
While o'er their gates the gleaming tablets shine 
That wear his name inwrought with many a golden line. 

Call not our poet dead. 

Though on his turf we tread ! 
Green is the wreath their brows so long have worn. 

The minstrels of the morn. 
Who, while the orient burned with new born flame, 



134 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Caught that celestial fire 

And struck a nation's lyre ! 
These taught the western winds the poet's name ; 
Their's the first opening buds the maiden flowers of tame. 

Count not our poet dead ! 

The stars shall watch his bed. 
The rose of June its fragrant life renews, 

His flushing mound it strews. 
And the tuneful throats of summer swell 

With trills as crystal clear 

As when he moved the ear 
Of the young muse that haunts the wooded dell 
With songs of that " rough land " he loved so long and well. 

He sleeps; he cannot die ! 

As evening's long drawn sigh, 
Lifting the rose leaves on his peaceful mound, 

Spreads all their sweets around, 
So laden with his song, the breezes blow 

From where the rustling sedge 

Frets our rude ocean's edge 
To the smooth sea beyond the peaks of snow, 
His soul the air enshrines and leaves but dust below. 

Halleck was the first American poet, to whom was awarded 
the honor of a bronze statue in a public place. This is of 
heroic size, representing him seated, holding a thin roll of manu- 
script in his left hand and a pen in his right. It was presented 
to the city of New York by some of Halleck's admirers, and 
occupies a prominent position in the Central Park near the 
statues of Shakspeare and Sir Walter Scott. The ceremony 
of its unveiling took place May 15, 1877, when the venerable 
poet William Cullen Bryant presided, and, after making a brief 
speech full of pleasant memories of his old companion, intro- 
duced Gen. Rutherford B. Hayes, president of the United 
States, who formally presented the statue, in the name of the 
subscribers, to the city of New York, through its mayor, Hon. 
Smith Ely, Jr. A eulogy was then pronounced by William 
Allen Butler, Esq., of New York, and the following poem. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



^35 



written for the occasion by John Greenleaf Whittier of Massa- 
chusetts, was read : 

Among their graven shapes to whom 

Thy civic wreaths belong, 
O, city of his love ! make room 

For one whose gift was song. 

Not his the soldier's sword to wield, 

Nor his the helm of state, 
Nor glory of the stricken field, 

Nor triumph of debate. 

In common ways, with common men, 

He served his race and time 
As well as if his clerkly pen 

Had never danced to rhyme. 

If, in the thronged and noisy mart, 

The Muses found their son, 
Could any say his tuneful art 

A duty left undone ? 

He toiled and sang ; and year by year 

Men found their homes more sweet, 
And through a tender atmosphere 

Looked down the brick-walled street. 

The Greek's wild onset Wall street knew. 

The Red King walked Broadway ; 
And Alnwick Castle's roses blew 

From palisades to bay. 

Fair city by the sea ! upraise 

His veil with reverent hands ; 
And mingle with thy own the praise 

And pride of other lands. 

Let Greece his fiery lyric breathe 

Above her hero-urns ; 
And Scotland, with her holly, wreathe 

The flower he culled for Burns. 

O, stately stand thy palace walls, 

Thy tall ships ride the seas ; 
To-day thy poet's name recalls 

A prouder thought than these. 



136 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Not less thy pulse of trade shall beat, 

Nor less thy tall fleets swim, 
That shaded square and dusty street 

Are classic ground through him. 

Alive, he loved, like all who sing, 

The echoes of his song ; 
Too late the tardy meed we bring, 

The praise delayed so long. 

Too late, alas ! Of all who knew 

The living man, to-day 
Before his unveiled face, how few 

Make bare their locks of gray ! 

Our lips of praise must soon be dumb, 

Our grateful eyes be dim ; 
O, brothers of the days to come. 

Take tender charge of him ! 

New hands the wires of song may sweep. 

New voices challenge fame ; 
But let no moss of years o'er-creep 

The lines of Halleck's name. 

[George Hill, the poet, was born in Guilford Jan. 29, 
1796. He graduated at Yale college in 1816, was afterwards 
employed as a clerk in one of the departments in Washington. 
In 1827 he entered the navy as instructor in mathematics and, 
during his term of service, made a cruise in the Mediterranean. 
On his return to the United States he was appointed librarian 
of the state department. Subsequently he was appointed United 
States consul for the southern portion of Asia Minor, and, on 
his resignation in consequence of ill health, was again made a 
clerk in one of the departments in Washington. He resumed 
his residence in Guilford, about 1856, and died December 15, 
1871.] 

Ralph Dunning Smith, son of Richard and Lovine (Hebert) 
Smith, was born in S()uthbur\', Conn., October 28, 1804. On 
the father's side he was a descendant of John Smith, who with 
his wife Grace came to Milford about 1640. His mother was 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 137 

a daughter of Ebenezer Hebert, of Wyoming, Pa., and was 
born at Easton, Pa., during the flight of her mother from the 
great massacre at Wyoming. 

He was fitted for college at the Weston (now Easton) aca- 
demy, under the superintendence of its principal, John Hiram 
Lathrop, LL.D. He graduated at Yale in 1827, in a class of 
which the Rev. Dr. Horace Bushnell, N. P. Willis, Judge 
Henry Hogeboom the Rev. Dr. Wm. Adams, the Rev. Dr^ 
Theron Baldwin and others, whose names have attained a 
national reputation, were honored members. 

After the completion of his collegiate course he adopted the 
profession of law as the pursuit most congenial to his tastes, 
and prosecuted his studies under the direction of the Hon. Ed- 
ward Hinman, of Southbury, and Heman Birch, Esq., of 
Brookfield, completing his course of preparation in the law 
school attached to Yale college, then under the care of Judges 
Daggett and Hitchcock. He was admitted to the bar at New 
Haven in 1831, and in November of the same year located in 
Guilford, where he spent the remainder of his life. 

During the probationary period, through which every young 
professional man must past, he occupied himself for some years 
in teaching a select school in the place of his adoption, at which 
some of the most prominent men of his state were prepared for 
college. 

He married, October 13, 1837, Rachel Stone Seward, daughter 
of Amos Seward, of Guilford, who is left to mourn his loss. 
They had four children, viz: Sarah Spencer, who married Dr. 
Lewis H. Steiner, of Frederick city, Md. ; Mary D., who 
died when two years of age ; Walter Hebert (Y. C. 1863), 
died Nov. 27, 1863, and Richard Edward (Y. C. 1866), died 
December 18, 1868. 

In January, 1844, he was appointed judge of the probate 
court, which office he held until July 4, 1850, filling the duties of 
18 



138 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

the office with great skill, care and judgment. In 1859 he was 
elected a representative of the town of Guilford in the general 
assembly of Connecticut, and during its sessions acted as chair- 
man of the committee on judiciary, and as a member of other 
important committees. 

" From 1848 to 1854 he was engaged in chartering and con- 
ducting the New Haven and New London rail road, and the 
New London and Stonington rail road, performing several years 
of severe and continuous labor as secretary, treasurer, director 
and attorney in originating and building these roads, and in the 
subsequent management thereof." 

Prior to, during and subsequent to, his labors in connection 
with these rail roads. Judge Smith was actively engaged in the 
duties of his profession, acquiring a well merited reputation as 
a thorough office lawyer and a sound practitioner, distinguished 
for his conscientious devotion to the interests of his clients and 
for his hesitation in taking charge of a case until he was abso- 
lutely satisfied of its justness. Judge Munson, of Seymour, 
spoke of him, at the bar-meeting called in honor of his memory, 
as one " who knew the law better than any lawyer within the 
acquaintance of the speaker, as a walking text-book, who 
only needed to be reminded of the principle involved in a case 
to tell at once its name" and to give a reliable opinion of the 
same. Another colleague, at the same meeting, spoke of him 
" as a thoroughly honest lawyer, preparing his case with great 
care and never employing questionable means or using ques- 
tionable efforts to secure a result in his favor," and of " the 
genial qualities which made his counsel and pleasant words go 
deep into the hearts of the young as well as the old." Resolu- 
tions offered by Judge Edward R. Landon, a former student of 
Judge Smith, were adopted by the same meeting. 

But although devoted to the study and practice of his chosen 
profession with an earnest zeal rarely excelled by its honored 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. I39 

practitioners, he still found time to cultivate the fields of elegant 
literature, history, biography, and genealogical research. He 
studied the old English writers with a zest that could only spring 
from a genuine love of the beautiful and true. His memory 
was richly stored with the choicest English poetry, which was 
always at his command whenever needed for illustration. He 
took great pleasure in English and American history, and his 
calm, unprejudiced mind enabled him to pronounce exceedingly 
accurate judgments upon the lives and motives of whose who 
had figured most prominently upon their pages. But his love 
for research led him to investigate the obscure corners and nooks 
of history and biography, which other and more superficial stu- 
dents were in the habit of passing by unnoticed. And thus he 
was brought into the fields of genealogical research by a sort of 
inevitable necessity. Here, however, he found an ample scope 
for the exercise of his habits of careful research and untiring 
labor. 

Shortly after his location at Guilford he was attracted by the 
rich materials for study furnished by its early history, and begin- 
ning with a careful study of its early records from 1639, he 
found the field of his investigation becoming wider and wider 
as his untiring spirit zealously pursued its labors. Old records, 
old tombstones and monuments were favorite subjects for study, 
indeed everything that could elucidate its history became of 
special interest to the enthusiastic student. Necessarily his 
investigations took a still more and more extensive range until 
everything connected with the genealogy of New England be- 
came attractive to his inquiring spirit, and his shelves began to 
fill up with books devoted to local and family history, while his 
manuscript collections increased until they became mines of 
wealth to younger investigators. 

Another subject of special interest was the biography of the 
early graduates of Yale college. To this he devoted himself 



140 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

with great care and painful assiduity, and completed a series of 
sketches of the lives of the same extending from the first gradu- 
ate down the class of 1767 inclusive. 

His manuscripts are very voluminous, comprising: (i) A 
sketch of the history of Guilford with the genealogy of its prin- 
cipal families. This would probably make two volumes of some 
600 pages ; (2) A Biographical Record of the Class of 1827, Yale 
College, consisting of fuH and accurate sketches of the lives of 
all its members ; (3) The Biographical Sketches of Yale Graduates 
from 1 702-1 767 ; (4) A catalogue of the Connecticut Election 
Sermons ; (5) Fragmentary sketches of the early history of the 
First and Fourth Congregational Societies of Guilford, etc., etc., 
etc. Some of these may hereafter be put in a more permanent 
form should the way be opened for their publication. 

Judge Smith was a modest, retiring man, avoiding as far as 
possible public life but delighting in the company of his friends, 
the genial attractions of his literary and professional studies, 
and in imparting information from his richly stored memory to 
any seeker after knowledge. Indeed no one ever approached 
him with an appeal for aid or assistance, whether pecuniary, 
professional or literary, without obtaining the same if it were in 
his power to furnish it. The results of his genealogical labors 
he delighted to impart to every inquirer, and was always very 
happy when he could aid a brother genealogist in his researches. 
A fellow-laborer writes that he was the most generous man with 
his collections he ever met, or that he could imagine to exist. 
And another closes a warm eulogy with the statement that he 
" has not left behind him any one so conversant with the general 
family history of the state." 

He was a Congregationalist from choice and conviction, and 
attached to the First church of Guilford, but his religion was 
of that catholic nature which recognizes those, of whatever name, 
who love Jesus Christ, as brethren. The loss of his sons, 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. I4I 

shortly after they had graduated with distinction, and when 
careers of great usefuhiess were seemingly before them, for a 
while detached him from his favorite pursuits, but as grand- 
children grew up around him he learned to sympathize in all 
their joys and sports, and he again resumed his former studies 
with some of the ardor he had shown in earlier days. 

During the spring and summer of 1 874, however, he gradually 
laid by his favorite pursuits, and seemed to suffer from symp- 
toms of the painful disease which finally terminated his earthly 
labors on the nth of September. On the 15th his funeral was 
attended by a large concourse of his fellow-townsmen, who felt 
that they had lost their most important citizen, and by many 
friends and professional brethren who had come from a distance 
to show respect to his memory. The Rev. Leonard Bacon, 
D.D., an old and valued friend, pronounced the funeral dis- 
course, after which the remains of the accomplished scholar and 
veteran lawyer were deposited in the Alderbrook Cemetery, 
Guilford. — From the N. E. Hist, and Gen. Reg. for July., 1875. 

Centennial Celebration^ July \, 1876. 
[With the view of paying respect to the memory of its 
deceased citizens and of recalling some incidents of its past his- 
tory as well as of honoring the grand event which gave birth to 
the United States, July 4, 1776, Guilford held a celebration 
on the centennial anniversary of the nation. This was largely 
attended by her citizens and many visitors from distant parts of 
the country. At sun rise one hundred guns were fired, as a 
salute, by the Guilford Light Battery, Lieut. Wm. H. Lee, com- 
manding. At nine a.m., there was a grand procession that 
moved through the different streets of the village, and at eleven 
A.M., the special exercises of the day were held on the Green, 
Judge Edward R. Landon in the chair as president of the day. 



142 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

The music was furnished by the New England band, composed 
of citizens of the town. 

The exercises consisted of the reading of the Proclamation of 
the president of the United States, recommending the celebration 
of the day, by Rev. John Wilson, Scripture selections by Rev. 
Theodore L. Day, prayer by Rev. Geo. W. Banks, address 
of welcome by Rev. Lorenzo T. Bennett, D. D., reading of 
the Declaration of Independence by Gen. E. M. Lee, a His- 
torical address by Dr. Alvan Talcott, and a poem by Samuel 
W. Loper Esq., of Durham. After an intermission of an 
hour, the audience was called upon to hear brief addresses in 
response to sentiments announced from the stand: that to the 
president and congress of the United States " was responded to by 
Hon. Simeon B. Chittenden, representing the third district 
of the state of New York in congress, to " the state of Connec- 
ticut " by Judge H. Lynde Harrison, to "the town of Guil- 
ford " by Judge Robt. E. De Forrest of Bridgeport, to " the 
soldiers and statesmen of 1776 " by Gen. E. M. Lee, and that to 
"the ladies" by Hon. Lewis H. Steiner of Maryland. A 
poem by Andrew J. Benton was then read by Rev. John Wil- 
son, and the audience was dismissed with the benediction by 
Rev. Henry Robinson. At night there was a general illumina- 
tion throughout the village, and fireworks were exhibited on 
the Green and in the grounds of some of the citizens.] 

The probate court for the district of Guilford was established, 
October session, 17 19, being one of the first districts separated 
from the counties in this state. The probate of wills, etc., was 
made in the particular courts, from the establishment of civil 
order in the colony, 1643, till the formation of the county 
courts, 1666, where it continued until the probate districts were 
formed. The first probate district for Guilford included the 
towns of Guilford, Branford (except Northford), Killingworth 
and Saybrook (Durham was joined with Middletown, Haddam 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. I43 

and a part of Chatham and a part of Berlin in forming the dis- 
trict of Middletown in 1752). Killingworth and Say brook 
were set off in 1780, into the district of Saybrook, and in 1834, 
Madison (formerly East Guilford) and Killingworth were each 
formed into separate districts, which left the probate district of 
Guilford to include Branford, Guilford and the First Society of 
North Branford, from which Branford was set off as a separate 
probate district in 1850. 



144 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



The names of the several Judges and Clerks are as follows: 



Date of appointment. Death or removal. 



James Hooker (Guilford),. . 

Samuel Hill, clerk. 

Col. Samuel Hill (Guilford),. 

Henry Hill, clerk,.. 

Nathaniel Hill, clerk, 

Col. Timothy Stone f Guilford), 

Nathaniel Hill, clerk, 

Nathaniel Hill (Guilford),... 
Samuel Hill, clerk. 
Aaron Elliott (Killingworth), 
Ebenezer Parmele Jr., clerk,. 

John Elliott, clerk, 

Samuel Barker (Branford),. . . 

Elizur Barker, clerk, 

John Elliott, clerk, 

Col. Edward Russel (Branford), 

John Elliott, clerk, 

Henry Hill, clerk, 

Henry Hill (Guilford), 

William Todd, clerk, 

Reuben Elliott (Guilford),. . . 
George Griswold, clerk,. . . . 
Maj. Sam'l Fowler (Guilford), 

Ralph D. Smith, clerk, 

Reuben Elliott (Guilford),, 

George Griswold, clerk, 

Joel Tuttle (Guilford),. . ..., 

Ralph D. Smith, clerk, '. 

George Griswold (Guilford),. . 
Alvah B. Goldsmith, clerk,.. 
John R. Wilcox (Madison),. . 
Alvah B. Goldsmith, clerk. 

George Landon, 

Alvah B. Goldsmith, clerk,. . 

Ralph D. Smith, 

E. R. Landon, clerk. 

George Landon, 

Alvah B. Goldsmith, clerk. 

Ralph D.Smith, 

Edward R. Landon, clerk. 

George Landon, 

Alvah B. Goldsmith, clerk. 

Edward R. Landon, 

Sylvanus Clark, clerk. 



May, 1720, 



.June, 
.June, 



.September, 



.June, 
.June, 

Feb., 



1740, 
1740, 
1751. 
1752, 
1752, 
1765, 

1772, 

1772, 
1780, 

1780, 
780, 



.April, 17S 



-July, 



1796, 
iSio, 
1810, 
1820, 
1820, 
1834, 
1834, 
1835. 
1835, 



(acting judge), Feb. 7, 



.June, 1838, 



1842. 
1843, 



[843, 



.June. 



1844, 
1846, 
1847, 
,1850, 
,1854. 



.March 12, 1740. 

1752 

....July 27, 1751 

1752 

Sept. 9, 1765 

1765 

. . . Nov. 16, 1771 



1780 

Feb., 1780 

.Aug. 22, 1780 
December, 178 1 
. ..April, 1782 



. . . .August, 1796 
1810 



...July, 1820 

1S34 

1834 

'835 

...June, 1835, 

1838, 

...June, 1838, 

1842, 

..June, 1842, 
Feb. 7, 1843, 



.June 5, 1843 



1844 

.June, 1844. 
1846 



[847 
1850 
[854, 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



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HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



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HISTORY OF GUILFORD. I5I 

At the first settlement of the town no form of government 
seems to have been adopted, probably because they were in 
doubt for a year or two whether they should remain or not. It 
is said in the "Review of the more fixed agreements, laws and 
orders made from time to time from the settlement up to 1649," 
that the church was gathered June 19 (O. S.) 1643, and that the 
feoffees in trust of the plantation resigned up their right, into 
the hands of the church, of all the lands purchased from the 
natives ; and those four men of their number also, which had 
been chosen to the exercise of civil power, did also express that 
their trust and power for that purpose was terminated and ended. 
Whereof notice being taken at the public meeting, it was pro- 
pounded, agreed and concluded that whereas, in times past there 
being no church gathered, the power was put in the hands ot 
four men, that now the affairs being settled the town and church 
should be organized, etc. 

The power was entrusted to the hands of the four to whom 
reference has been made, at a public meeting (not a general 
court) Feb. 2 (Feb. 12, new style) 1 641-2, in the form follow- 
ing, viz : " It is agreed that the civil power for administration 
of justice and preservation of peace shall remain in the hands 
of Robt. Kitchel^ tViliiam Chittenden^ John Bishops and William 
Leete formerly chosen for that work, until some may be chosen 
out of the church that shall be gathered here. In the hands 
of these men the power seems to have been placed without limit- 
ation until June, 1643. They may hence be considered magis- 
trates and committee from September, 1639, to June 29, 1643. 

At the meeting of the planters, held June 29, 1643 (N. S.), 
the church was accordingly gathered, and the constitution 
adopted, by which the choice of officers was regulated as also 
the first division of land, and probably the first town magistrates 
and other officers were chosen. Mr. Samuel Disborough and 



15- 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



Mr. William Leete were chosen to meet the court at New 
Haven and the Combination of the jurisdiction of the New 
Haven colony was planned. Accordingly, we find on the 6th 
of July (i6th N. S.), 1643, °'' ^bout seventeen days after that, 
Mr. Disborough and Mr. Leete were admitted members of the 
court at New Haven for Menunkatuck, and " received the 
charge of freemen of this court," and at the same meeting "it 
was ordered that X5 from Stamford, X5 from [Menunkatuck] 
Guilford and i>2 from Yennicock [Southold, L. I.], shall be raised 
and paid into the treasury of New Haven toward the charges 
about the Combination.'''' And at the same meeting 

" Menunkatuck was named Guilford.''''^ 
At the organization of the Combination in the month of October, 
1643, Stamford was the first annexed to New Haven in terms 
following, viz : that the settlers pay the New Haven planta- 
tion the expenses of purchase from the Indians and other charges 
expended amounting to ,£33 "and join in one jurisdiction with 
New Haven upon certain considerations, propounded at the first 
settlement of the plantation but since perfected in a fundamental 
agreement settled for this jurisdiction October.^ 1643, as by that 
record more particularly may appear ; and upon their desire their 
plantation is called Stamford.^' 

And immediately after Guilford is admitted as follows, viz : 
" Menunkatuck, formerly purchased and planted by Mr. Whit- 
lield and his company, was also admitted into this jurisdiction 
upon the same fundamental agreement as Stamford ; and upon 
their desire that plantation is called Guilford." 

" Milford the neighboring plantation to the westward was 
also admitted into this jurisdiction upon the same fundamental 
agreement in October^ 1^43-" 



Netv Haven Town ami Colony Records, vol. I, page 47. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. I 53 

" Totoket [also] a place fit for a small plantation, between 
New Haven and Guilford, and purchased from the Indians, 
was granted to Mr. Swayne and some others of Wethersfield, 
they repaying the charges which are between <£i2 and .£13 and 
joining in one jurisdiction with New Haven and the forenamed 
plantations upon the same fundamental agreement in October^ 
1643, which they duly considering readily accepted." 

This year for the first time the general court at New Haven 
is distinctly recorded and distinguished by the title of the go- 
vernor, deputy governor, magistrates and deputies. 

The fundamental agreement^ spoken of above, is given at 
length in Appendix A to this History, and was adopted at the 
first organization of the government for the whole jurisdiction, 
October 27, 1643, at which meeting, William Leete and Samuel 
Disborough were the deputies from Guilford, and Samuel Disborough 
was recognized as the magistrate for Guilford, which office he 
held 1 65 1. The deputies associated with him for that particular 
court are not mentioned until 1645 when they were 

William Leete. 

John Mipham. 

John Hodely. 
1646 Willliam Chittenden. ^' 

William Leete. 

Thomas Jordan. 

1649 William Chittenden. 
William Leete. 
Robert Kitchell. 

1650 William Chittenden. 
Robert Kitchell. 
Thomas Jordan. 
George Hubbard. 

William Leete was chief magistrate from 1651 until the union 
20 



154 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

with Connecticut. In 1661, John Fowler was chosen in place 
of William Chittenden deceased and George Bartlett in the 
room of Thomas Jordan, continuing until the union with Con- 
necticut colony in 1664, and two years later until the organiza- 
tion of the judiciary in 1666, when the county court for New 
Haven county was organized and commenced its first session 
at New Haven, June 13 (O. S.), 1666, with the following 
magistrates ; 

Mr. William Leete, Chief Magistrate. 

Mr. William Jones, ^ 

Mr. Benj. Fenn, K Assistants. 

Mr. Jasper Crane, j 

Alex. Bryan, 1 Commissioners. 



James Bishop, 

Since then the magistrates of the town have been the assist- 
ants and the justices of the peace. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. I55 



T'he Deputies for the several years were as follows 

1643. First and Second Sessions, Samuel Disborough, 

William Leete. 

1644. " " " William Leete. 

Jacob Sheafe. 

1645. " " " William Leete. 

John Mipham. 

1646. First Session, May, William Leete. 

John Mipham. 

1646. Second Session, Oct., William Leete. 

William Chittenden. 

1647. First and Second Sessions, William Leete. 

William Chittenden. 

1648. " " '^ William Leete. 

William Chittenden. 

1649. " " " William Leete. 

William Chittenden. 

1650. " " " Robert Kitchell. 

William Chittenden. 

165 1. " " " William Chittenden. 

Thomas Jordan. 

1652. '' " " Thomas Jordan. 

George Hubbard. 

1653. " " " William Chittenden. 

Thomas Jordan. 

1654. Several extra sessions, William Chittenden. 

Thomas Jordan. 

1655. Whole year. William Chittenden. 

George Hubbard. 

1656. " " William Chittenden. 

Robert Kitchell. 



155 


HISTOR 


i657. 


Whole year. 


1658. 


cc tc 


1659. 


(.<. (.1 


1660. 


tt cc 


1661. 


First and second sc 


1662. 


Cl (( 


1663. 


Whole year. 


1664. 


Extra session, Jan, 


1664. 


Summer session, 



William Chittenden. 

George Hubbard. 

William Chittenden. 

George Hubbard. 

William Chittenden. 

George Hubbard, 

William Chittenden. 

George Hubbard. 
IS, Robert Kitchell. 

John Fowler. 

Robert Kitchell. 

George Hubbard. 

Robert Kitchell. 

George Bartlett. 

John Fowler. 

John Scranton. 

John Fowler. 

George Bartlett. 
[After which time the colonies of Connecticut and New 
Haven being united, the delegates were chosen twice a year to 
Hartford until May, 1701, when it was ordered, "at a court of 
election holden at Hartford," that the May terms should there- 
after be held in Hartford and the October terms in New Haven. 
In 18 1 8, however, when the present constitution of the state 
was adopted, provision was made for but one stated session of 
the general assembly, to be holden in each year, alternately at 
Hartford and New Haven, on the first Wednesday of May, and 
at such other times as the general assembly shall judge neces- 
sary ; the first session to be holden at Hartford ; but the per- 
son administering the office of governor, may, on special emer- 
gencies, convene the general assembly at either of said places, 
at any other time. And in case of danger from the prevalence 
of contagious diseases, in either of said places, or other circum- 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 157 

Stances, the person administering the office of governor may, by 
proclamation, convene said assembly at any other place in this 
state. " In accordance with the requirements of this amend- 
ment, delegates were after 1818 chosen annually. 

In 1873, ^" amendment to the constitution was adopted by 
the inhabitants of the state, which provided for only one capital, 
and is as follows : " All annual and special sessions of the 
general assembly shall, on and after the first Wednesday of 
May, 1875, be held at Hartford; but the person administering 
the office of governor may, in case of special emergency con- 
vene said assembly at any other place in this state." 

In 1875, another amendment was adopted, requiring the stated 
session of the general assembly, next following the May session 
of 1876, to be held on the Wednesday after the first of January, 
1877, and that thereafter, annually, stated sessions should be 
held in Hartford on the Wednesday after the first Monday in 
January.] 



Deputies to the General Court from Guilford. 

1665. First Session, George Bartlett. * 

John Fowler. 

" Second " George Hubbard. 

William Johnson. 

1666. First " John Fowler. 

Thomas Cook. 

" Second '' George Hubbard. 

John Fowler. 

1667. First " John Fowler. 

William Johnson. 



' The name of George Bartlett does not appear on Col. Rcc, and the name of 
John Fowler's associate is given as John Bartlett. 



158 
1667. 

i668. 



1669. 



1670. 



1671. 



1672. 



673- 



1674. 



1675. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 



Session, John Fowler. 

William Johnson. 



John Fowler. 
William Johnson. 
Dea. Jno. Fowler. 
Sergt. Wni. Johnson. 
Dea. Jno. Fowler. 
Sergt. Wm. Johnson. 
William Johnson. 
John Scranton. 
John Scranton. 
John Graves. 
Dea. Jno. Fowler. 
William Johnson. 
Ens. John Graves. 
William Johnson. 
Dea. John Fowler. 
Ens. John Graves. 
Dea. John Fowler. 
Ens. John Graves. 
Dea. John Fowler. 
Ens. John Graves. 
Dea. John Fowler. 
Ens. John Graves. 
Dea. John Fowler. 
Lieut. Wm. Seward. 
Dea. Wm. Johnson. 
Ens. John Graves. 
Lieut. Wm. Seward. 
Dea. John Fowler. 
Ens. John Graves. 
Dea. John Fowler. 



1675. 



1676. 



1677. 



1678. 



1679. 



68o. 



1681. 



1682. 



Special 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. I 59 

Session, Dea. John Fowler. 

Ens. John Graves. 
" Mr. Andrew Leete. 

Dea. John Fowler. 
" Mr. Andrew Leete. 

William Johnson. 
" Mr. Andrew Leete. 

Ens. John Graves. 
" Mr. Andrew Leete. 

Mr. William Leete. 
" Mr. Andrew Leete. 

Ens. John Graves. 
" Mr. Andrew Leete. 

Mr. William Leete. * 
" Ens. John Graves. 

Dea. William Johnson. 
'' Dea. William Johnson. 

Ens. John Graves. 
" Mr. William Leete. 

Dea. William Johnson. 
" Mr. William Leete. 

Dea. William Johnson. 
" Mr. William Leete. 

Dea. William Johnson. 
" Mr. William Leete. 

Ens. John Graves. 
" Mr. William Leete. 

Ens. John Graves. 
" Dea. William Johnson. 

Ens. John Graves. 



'Mr. Andrew Leete having also been chosen Assistant, Mr. William Leete wai 
the sole Representative. 



l6o HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

1682. Second Session, Mr. William Leete. 

Ens. John Graves. 

1683. First " Lieut. William Seward. 

Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 

" Second " Mr. William Leete. 

Lieut. William Seward. 

1684. First " Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 

Ens. John Graves. 

" Second " Lieut. Wm. Seward. 

Ens. John Graves. 

1685. First " Lieut. William Seward. 

Dea. William Johnson. 

"• Second " Lieut. William Seward. 

Dea. William Johnson. 

1686. First '' Dea. William Johnson. 

Dea. John Graves. 

" Second " Dea. William Johnson. 

Dea. John Graves. 

1687. First "• Dea. William Johnson. 

Dea. John Graves. 

" Second " Dea. William Johnson. 

Dea. John Graves. 

1688. First " There was no meeting of the Assem- 

bly, in consequence of the usurpa- 
" Second " tion of E. Andross, and no delegates 

chosen. 

1689. First, and Special Session, Dea. William Johnson. 

Dea. John Graves. 

" Second Session, Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 

Dea. William Johnson. 

1690. First and Special Session,... A4r. Josiah Rossiter. 

Dea. William Johnson. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



i6i 



1690. 


Second 


I79I. 


First 


(C 


Second 


1692. 


First 


C( 


Second 


1693. 


First 


(( 


Second 


1694. 


First 


(C 


Second 


1695. 


First 


(■(■ 


Second 


1696. 


First 


ct 


Second 


1697. 


First 


(C 


Second 


i6q8. 


First 



Session, Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 

Capt. John Graves. 
" Dea. William Johnson. 

Capt. John Graves. 
" Mr. William Johnson. 

Capt. John Graves. 
" Capt. John Graves. 

Lieut. Stephen Bradley. 
" Capt. John Graves. 

Lieut. Stephen Bradley. 
" Capt. John Graves. 

Lieut. Stephen Bradley. 
" Capt. John Graves. 

Lieut. Stephen Bradley. 
" Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 

Lieut. Stephen Bradley. 
" Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 

Dea. William Johnson. 
" Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 

Mr. Thomas Meacock. 
" Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 

Mr. Thomas Meacock. 
" Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 

Mr. John Eliot. 
" Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 

Lieut. Stephen Bradley. 
" Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 

Mr. John Elliot. 
" Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 

Mr. Abraham Fowler. 
" Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 

Ensign Abr. Fowler. 
21 



62 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



1698. 


Second Session, Capt. Stephen Bradley 






Lieut. Abr. Fowler. 


1699. 


First * 


Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 




Lieut. Abr. Fowler. 


(C 


Second * 


Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 






Lieut. Abr. Fowler. 


1700, 


First ' 


Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 

Capt. Stephen Bradley 


(( 


Second ' 


' Mr. Josiah Rossiter. 




Capt. Stephen Bradley 


I70I. 


First * 


Capt. Stephen Bradley 




Lieut. Abr. Fowler. 


C( 


Second ' 


Capt. Stephen Bradley 

Lieut. Abr. Fowler. 


1702. 


First ' 


Lieut. Abr. Fowler. 




Ens. Nathaniel Stone 


11 


Second ' 


Lieut. Abr. Fowler. 




Mr. James Hooker. 


1703. 


First ' 


Capt. Abr. Fowler. 

Mr. James Hooker. 


(I 


Second ' 


Capt. Abr.jFowler. 

Mr. James Hooker. 


1704. 


First ' 


Mr. Joseph Dudley. 




Lieut. John Seward. 


(C 


Second ' 


' Capt. Abr. Fowler. 

Mr. Joseph Dudley. 


1705. 


First ' 


Lieut. John Seward. 




Mr. James Hooker. 


l( 


Second ' 


Capt. Abr. Fowler. 

Sergt. Joseph Dudley 


1706. 


First ' 


Capt. Abr. Fowler. 

Mr. James Hooker. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD, 



163 



1706. Second 

1707. First 

" Second 

1708. First 

*' Second 

1709. First 

" Second 

1710. First 

" Second 

171 1. First 

" Second 

17 12. First 

" Second 

1 7 13. First 

" Second 



Session, Capt. Abr. Fowler. 

Mr. James Hooker. 
Capt. Abr. Fowler. 

Mr. James Hooker. 
Capt. Abr. Fowler. 

Mr. James Hooker. 
Capt. Abr. Fowler. 

Mr. James Hooker. 
Capt. John Seward. 

Mr. James Hooker. 
Mr. James Hooker. 

Mr. John Seward. 
Capt. Abr. Fowler. 

Mr. John Collins, 2d. 
Capt. Abr. Fowler. 

Mr. James Hooker. 
Capt. Abr. Fowler. 

Mr. Andrew Ward. 
Mr. Andrew Ward. 

Mr. John Collins, 2d. 
Capt. Abraham Fowler. 

Mr. Caleb Leete. 
Capt. Abraham Fowler. 

Mr. James Hooker. 
Mr. James Hooker. 

Capt. Andrew Ward, 
Mr. James Hooker. 

Mr. Caleb Leete, 
Mr. James Hooker. 

Capt. Andrew Ward. 



' Capt. Abraham Fowler having been chosen Assistant, did not serve as Repre- 
sentative. 



164 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



714. 



I715. 



716. 



1717. 



719. 



1720. 



I72I. 



First Session, Capt. Andrew Ward. 

Mr. Caleb Leete. 
Second " Capt. Andrew Ward. 

Mr. Caleb Leete. 
First " Capt. Andrew Ward. 

Mr. Peter Talman. 
Second " Capt. Andrew Ward. 

Mr. Peter Talman. 
First " Capt. Andrew Ward. 

Lieut. Janna Meigs. 
Second " Mr. James Hooker. 

Mr. Caleb Leete. 
First " Mr. C. Leete. 

Capt. Janna Meigs, 
Second " Capt. Andrew Ward. 

Mr. Caleb Leete. 
First " Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Capt. Janna Meigs. 
Second " Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Mr. Benjamin Hand. 
First " Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Mr. Joseph Stone, 
Second " Mr. Benjamin Hand. 

Mr. Caleb Leete. 
First " Mr, Caleb Leete. 

Mr. Joseph Hand. 
Second " Mr. James Hooker. 

Mr. Benjamin Hand. 
First " Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Mr. Andrew Ward. 
Second " Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Mr. Joseph Stone. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



,65 



1722. 



723- 



1724. 



1725. 



1726. 



1727. 



728. 



1729. 



First Session, Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Mr. Joseph Stone. 

Second " Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Mr. Joseph Stone. 

Pirst " Mr. James Hooker. 

Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Second " Mr. Joseph Stone. 

Mr. Peletiah Leete. 

Fiist " Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Mr. Joseph Stone. 

Second " Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Mr. Joseph Stone. 

Y'nst. " ... Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Capt. Andrew Ward. 

Second " Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Capt. Andrew Ward. 

First " Capt. Janna Meigs. 

Capt. Andrew Ward. 

Second " Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Mr. Peletiah Leete. 

First " Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Mr. Peletiah Leete. 

Second " Mr. Caleb Leete. 

Mr. Peletiah Leete. 

First " Mr. Samuel Hill. 

Mr. Benj. Hand. 

Second " Mr. Samuel Hill. 

Mr. Benj. Hand. 

First " Mr. Samuel Hill. 

Mr. Benj. Hand. 

Second " Mr. Samuel Hill. 

Mr. Benjamin Hand. 



i66 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



1730. 



1731- 



1732. 



1733- 



»734- 



1735- 



n^- 



^IZl- 



First Session, Mr. Samuel Hill. 

Mr. Benj. Hand. 
Second " Mr. Samuel Hill. 

Mr. Benj. Strong. 
First " Mr. Samuel Hill. 

Mr. Benjamin Strong. 
Second " Mr. Samuel Hill. 

Mr. Benjamin Hand. 
First " Mr. Samuel Hill. 

Mr. Benj. Hand. 
Second " Mr. Sam. Hill. 

Mr. Benj. Hand. 
First " Mr. Sam. Hill. 

Mr. Thos. Hotchkins. 
Second '' Mr. Sam. Hill. 

Mr. Thos. Hodgskins. 
First " Mr. Sam. Hill. 

Mr. Thos. Hotchkiss. 
Second " Mr. Sam. Hill. 

Mr. Thos. H-odgskins. 
First " Mr. Sam. Hill. 

Mr. Thos. Hotchkiss. 
Second " Mr. Sam. Hill. 

Mr. Peletiah Leete. 
First *' Mr. Sam. Hill. 

Mr. Peleiiah Leete. 
Second " Mr. Sam. Hill. 

Mr. Timothy Stone. 
First *' Mr. Sam. Hill. 

Mr. Timothy Stone. 
Second " Mr. Sam. Hill. 

Mr. Timothy Stone. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

1738. First Session, Mr. Peletiah Leete. 

Mr. Sam. Hill. 

'' Second " Mr. Peletiah Leete. 

Mr. Sam. Robinson. 

1739. First " Peletiah Leete. 

Samuel Hill. 

" Second " Samuel Hill. 

Timothy Stone. 

1740. First " Caleb Leete. 

Peletiah Leete. 

'' Second " Samuel Hill. 

Timothy Stone. 

1741. P'irst " Samuel Hill. 

Timothy Stone. 

" Second " Samuel Hill. 

Timothy Stone. 

1742. First " Samuel Hill. 

Benjamin Hand. 

» Second " Samuel Hill. 

Benjamin Hand, 

1743. First " Samuel Hill. 

Benjamin Hand. 

" Second " Samuel Hill. 

Benjamin Hand. 

1744. First " Samuel Hill. 

Benjamin Hand. 

" Second " Timothy Stone. 

Sam. Robinson. 

1745. First ''• Sam. Hill, Speaker. 

Timothy Stone. 

Second " Sam. Hill. 

Timothy Stone. 



167 



i68 
1746. 



1747- 



1748. 



1749. 



750. 



1751. 



752. 



753- 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

First Session, Sam. Hill, Speaker. 

Timothy Stone. 
Second " Samuel Hill. 

Timothy Stone. 
First " Samuel Hill. 

Timothy Stone. 
Second " Timothy Stone. 

Sam. Robinson. 
First " Samuel Hill. 

Timothy Stone. 
Second " Samuel Hill. 

Timothy Stone. 
First " Timothy Stone. 

William Ward. 
Second " Samuel Hill. 

Timothy Stone. 
First " Andrew Ward. 

Sam. Robinson. 
Second " Sam. Hill. 

Timothy Stone 
First '^ Sam. Hill, 

Timothy Stone. 
Second " Samuel Hill. 

Timothy Stone. 
First " Sam. Hill. 

Timothy Stone. 
Second " Timothy Stone. 

Sam. Robinson. 
First " Timothy Stone. 

Sam'l Robinson. 
Second " Timothy Stone. 

Sam'l Robinson. 



754- 



1755- 



756. 



757- 



1758. 



759- 



1760. 



1761 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

First Session, Andrew Ward. 

Nathaniel Ruggles. 

Second " Timothy Stone. 

Andrew Ward. 

First ". Andrew Ward Jr. 

Sam'l Robinson. 

Second " Timothy Stone. 

Sam'l Robinson. 

First " Timothy Stone. 

Sam'l Robinson. 

Second " Sam'l Robinson. 

Timothy Stone. 

First " Sam'l Robinson. 

Timothy Stone. 

Second " Sam'l Robinson. 

Timothy Stone. 

First " Sam'l Robinson. 

Timothy Stone. 

Second " Sam'l Robinson. 

Timothy Stone. 

First " Andrew Ward. 

James Robinson. 

Second " Timothy Stone. 

Edmund Ward. 

First " Timothy Stone. 

Edmund Ward. 

Second " Timothy Stone. 

Edmund Ward. 

First " Timothy Stone. 

Nathaniel Hill. 

Second " Timothy Stone. 

Nathaniel Hill. 

22 



169 



l~JO HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

1762. First Session, Timothy Stone. 

Nathaniel Hill. 

" Second " Timothy Stone. 

Sam'l Robinson. 

1763. First '"■ Sam'l Robinson. 

Nathaniel Hill. 

" Second " Timothy Stone. 

Nathaniel Hill. 

1764. First " Timothy Stone. 

Nathaniel Hill. 

" Second " Timothy Stone. 

Nathaniel Hill. 

1765. First " Timothy Stone. 

Nathaniel Hill. 

" Second " Nathaniel Hill. 

Nathaniel Ruggles. 

1766. First " Nathaniel Hill. 

Nathaniel Ruggles. 

" Second " Nathaniel Hill. 

Nathaniel Ruggles. 

1767. First " Nathaniel Hill. 

Josiah Meigs. 

" Second " Nathaniel Hill. 

John Elliott. 

1768. First " Nathaniel Hill. 

Joseph Pynchon. 

" Second " Nathaniel Hill. 

John Burgis. 

1769. First " Nathaniel Hill. 

Joseph Pynchon. 

" Second " Nathaniel Hill. 

John Burgis. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



17] 



770. 



771, 



[772. 



773- 



774- 



1775- 



1776. 



1777. 



First S 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 

First 

Second 



ession, John Elliott. 

John Burgis. 



Nathaniel Hill. 
John Elliott. 
Nathaniel Burgis. 
Andrew Ward. 
Jno. Burgis. 
Nathaniel Hill. 
Andrew Ward. 
John Burgis. 
S. Brown. 
Andrew Ward, 
S. Brown. 
Andrew Ward. 
S. Brown. 
Andrew Ward. 
John Burgis. 
J. Redfield. 
John Burgis. 
Andrew Ward. 
John Burgis. 
Andrew Ward. 
John Burgis. 
S. Brown. 
Andrew Ward. 
John Burgis. 
N. Stone. 
Nathaniel Ruggles. 
N. Stone. 
Nathaniel Ruggles. 
Andrew Ward. 
John Burgis. 



172 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

1778. First Session, Andrew Ward. 

Samuel Robinson. 

" Second " Andrew Ward. 

Samuel Robinson. 

1779. First " Samuel Lee Jr. 

N. Stone. 

" Second " John Burgis. 

N. Stone. 

1780. First " John Burgis. 

Andrew Ward. 

" Second " John Burgis. 

Andrew Ward. 

1781. First " John Burgis. 

Andrew Ward. 

" Second " 

Andrew Ward. 

1782. First " John Burgis. 

Andrew Ward. 

" Second " John Burgis. 

Andrew Ward. 

1783. First " John Burgis. 

Augustus Collins. 

" Second " Andrew Ward. 

John Burgis. 

1784. First " Augustus Collins. 

Samuel Lee. 

" Second " John Burgis. 

Andrew Ward. 

1785. First " Andrew Ward. 

Samuel Lee. 

" Second " John Burgis. 

Samuel Lee. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

1786. First Session, John Burgis. 

Andrew Ward. 

" Second " John Burgis. 

Samuel Lee. 

1787. First " John Elliott. 

Andrew Ward. 

" Second " John Burgis. 

John Elliott. 

1788. First " John Burgis. 

Andrew Ward. 

" Second " John Burgis. 

Andrew Ward. 

1789. First " John Elliott. 

Andrew Ward, 

" Second " Andrew Ward. 

John Elliott. 

1790. First " Andrew Ward. 

John Elliott. 

" Second " Andrew Ward. 

John Elliott. 

1791. First " Andrew Ward. 

John Elliott. 

" Second " Andrew Ward. 

John Elliott. 

1792. First " Augustus Collins. 

Samuel Lee. 

" Second " Andrew Ward. 

John Elliott. 

1793. First " Augustus Collins. 

Andrew Ward. 

" Second " Andrew Ward. 

John Elliott. 



13 



174 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

1794. First Session, Andrew Ward. 

William Brown. 

" Second " Andrew Ward. 

William Brown. 

1795. First " Andrew Ward. 

N. Rossiter. 

" Second " Augustus Collins. 

William Brown. 

1796. First " Andrew Ward. 

John Elliott. 

" Second " Andrew Ward. 

William Brown. 

1797. First " Andrew Ward. 

Augustus Collins. 

" Second " N . Rossiter. 

Jonathan Todd, 

1798. First " N . Rossiter. 

Andrew Ward. 

Second " N . Chidsey. 

Rufus Norton, 

1799. First " Augustus Collins. 

Samuel Lee. 

" Second " Augustus Collins. 

Samuel Lee. 

1800. First '• Augustus Collins. 

Samuel Robinson. 

" Second " Augustus Collins. 

Samuel Lee, 

1801. First " Augustus Collins, 

N . Rossiter. 

*' Second " N . Rossiter. 

Augustus Collins. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 175 

1802. First Session, N . Rossiter. 

Augustus Collins. 

" Second " Augustus Collins. 

N . Rossiter. 

1803. First *■' Augustus Collins. 

N. Rossiter. 

** Second " Augustus Collins. 

N. Rossiter. 

1804. First " Augustus Collins. 

N . Rossiter, 2d clerk. 

" Second " Augustus Collins. 

N . Rossiter, ist clerk. 

1805. First " Augustus Collins. 

Nathaniel Griffing. 

" Second " Augustus Collins. 

Nathaniel Griffing. 

1806. First " Augustus Collins. 

Nathaniel Griffing. 

" Second " Augustus Collins. 

Samuel Robinson. 

1807. First " Nathaniel Griffing. 

Joseph Elliott. 

" Second " Augustus Collins. 

Nathaniel Griffing. 

1808. First " Augustus Collins. 

Nathaniel Griffing. 

'' Second " Augustus Collins. 

Joseph Elliott. 

1809. First " Augustus Collins. 

Joseph Elliott. 

" Second " Augustus Collins. 

Joseph Elliott. 



176 
[8io. 



[8ii, 



[812. 



181' 



1814. 



1815. 



816. 



1817. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

First Session, Augustus Collins. 

Nathaniel Griffing. 
Second " Augustus Collins. 

Joseph Elliott. 
First " Augustus Collins. 

Joseph Elliott. 
Second " Augustus Collins. 

Nathaniel Griffing. 
First " Augustus Collins. 

Nathaniel Griffing. 
Second " Augustus Collins. 

Nathaniel Griffing. 
First " Augustus Collins. 

Nathaniel Griffing. 
Second '' Augustus Collins. 

Nathaniel Griffing. 
First " Nathaniel Griffing. 

Jonathan Todd. 
Second " Nathaniel Griffing. 

Jonathan Todd. 
First " Joseph Elliott. 

Samuel Robinson. 
Second " Joseph Elliott. 

Samuel Robinson. 
First " Joseph Elliott. 

Samuel Robinson. 
Second " Nathaniel Griffing. 

Samuel Robinson. 
First " Samuel Robinson. 

Benjamin Baldwin. 
Second •■' Nathaniel Griffing. 

Samuel Robinson. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. I77 

1818. First " Nathaniel Griffing. 

Samuel Robinson. 

" Second " Nathaniel Griffing. 

William Todd. 



Constitution of the State adopted in 1 8 1 1 
Nathaniel Griffing, 



> Delegc 



__, .^ , z^ites to Cons. Co7ivention. 

William Todd. 

After 1818 there was but one Session of the General As- 
sembly each year. 
1819 Nathaniel Griffing. 

William Todd. 
1820 Nathaniel Griffing. 

William Todd. 
1821 Nathaniel Griffing, 

William Todd. 
1822 Nathaniel Griffing. 

William Todd. 
1823 Nathaniel Griffing. 

William Todd. 
1824 Nathaniel Griffing. 

William Todd. 
1825 Nathaniel Griffing. 

Sam. Robinson. 
1826 Nathaniel Griffing. 

Abel Rossiter. 
1827 Nathaniel Griffing. 

William Todd. 
1828 Nathaniel Griffing. 

Abel Rossiter. 



23 



lyS HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

1829 Nathaniel Griffing. 

William Todd. 
1830 Nathaniel Griffing. 

George Landon. 
1831 Nathaniel Griffing. 

Abel Rossiter. 
1832 Nathaniel Griffing. 

Joel Tuttle. 
1833 Nathaniel Griffing. 

Abel Rossiter. 
1834 Joel Tuttle. 

Abraham S. Fowler. 
1835 Nathaniel Griffing. 

Abel Rossiter. 
1836 George Landon. 

Nathaniel Griffing. 
1837 George Landon. 

Henry Elliott. 
1838 Joel Tuttle. 

John H. Bartlett. 
1839 George A. Foote. 

Marcus B. Bartlett. 
1840 George A. Foote. 

Samuel C. Johnson. 
1841 George A. Foote. 

Samuel W. Dudley 

1842 No representatives chosen. 

1843 No representatives chosen. 

1844 No representatives chosen. 

1 845 No representatives chosen. 

1846 Reuben Stone. 

William Hale. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 179 

1847 Reuben Stone. 

William Hale. 
1848 Reuben Stone. 

Jasper Monroe. 

1849 Reuben Stone. 

Franklin C. Phelps. 
1850 Julius A. Dowd. 

Lewis Griswold. 
1851 Russel Benton. 

James A. Norton. 
1852 Henry Fowler, 2d. 

Lewis Griswold. 

1853. •• Samuel W. Dudley. 

Henry Fowler. 

1854. .. Edward L. Leete. 

Leverett Griswold. 
1855 George A. Foote. 

Amos Fowler. 
1856 John Hale. 

Calvin M. Leete. 

1857 George A. Foote. 

Sam. W. Dudley. 
1858 Albert B. Wildman. 

Benjamin Corbin. 
1859 Ralph D. Smith. 

T. Rossiter. 
i860 Sherman Graves. 

John Hale. 
1861 Richard Bartlett. 

Stephen R. Bartlett. 
1862 Calvin M. Leete. 

John Griswold. 



l8o HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

1863 John H. Bartlett. 

Saml. W. Dudley. 
1864 John H. Bartlett. 

Henry E. Norton. 
1865 Samuel W. Dudley. 

Edward L. Leete. 
1866 Henry Fowler of Rich. 

Gen. Edw. M. Lee. 
1867 Gen. Edw. M. Lee. 

David B. Rossiter. 
1868 Rev. E. Edwin Hall. 

Eli Parmelee. 
1869 Julius A. Dowd. 

Stephen R. Bartlett. 
1870 Edward R. Landon. 

Hethcote G. Landon. 
1871 Henry Benton 2d. 

John R. Rossiter. 
1872 Albert B. Wildman. 

Charles F. Leete. 

1873 Henry Fowler. 

John R. Rossiter. 
1874 H. Lynde Harrison. 

George B. Spencer. 
1875 H. Lynde Harrison. 

John R. Rossiter. 
1876 H. Lynde Harrison. 

John Wm. Norton. 
1877 H. h. Harrison^ Speaker. 

David Bartlett. 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. lol 

At a court for the jurisdiction held April, 1644, after ap- 
pointing the magistrates for the other plantations of the colony, 
" It was ordered that for the more comfortable carrying on the 
affairs at Guilford 'till they have a magistrate there, the free 
burgesses may choose among themselves four deputies and form 
a court," which it seems they did, but the next year a magistrate 
seems to have presided. 



The Treasurers for the Plantation until the Union with 
Connecticut. 

Thomas Jordan, 1643 to 1650. 

Robert Kitchel, 1650 to 1652. 

Thomas Jordan, reelected,. 1652 to 1654. 

Robert Kitchel, reelected, 1654 to 1656. 

William Leete, 1656 to 1657. 

Abraham Cruttenden, 1657 to 1660. 

Thomas Cook, 1660 to 1662. 

Robert Kitchel, reelected, 1662 to 1664. 



The Marshals from the Settlement until the Union with 
Connecticut. 

Thomas Jones, 1643 to 1652. 

John Fowler,.. 1652 to 1661. 

John Scranton, 1661 to 1662. 

William Seward, 1662 to 1664. 



l82 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



Town Clerks Since the Settlement of the Town. 

1. Governor William Leete, 1639 to 1662. 

2. George Bartlett, 1662 to 1665 

3. Samuel Kitchell, 1665 to 1668 

4. William Johnson, 1668101673 

5. John Graves, 167310 1685 

6. Josiah Rossiter,' 1685101706 

7. Joseph Dudley, 1706101707 

8. Josiah Rossiter rechosen, ^7^7 ^^ 1716 

9. John French, 1716101717 

10. Samuel Hill, 1717101720 

11. Andrew Ward, 1720101721 

12. Samuel Hill, rechosen, 1721 to 1752 

13. Nathaniel Hill, 1752 to 1771 

14. Ebenezer Parmelee, ^11^ ^o ^71^ 

15. Thomas Burgis, Jr., 1776 to 1799, 

16. John H. Fowler, 1799 to 1801 

17. Samuel Fowler, 1801101835 

18. Reuben Stone, 1835101838 

19. Joel Tuttle, 1838 to 1843 

20. Henry W. Chittenden, 1843 to 1848 

21. Edward R. Landon, 1848. 



» Nov. 10, 1687, John Collins, Sen., was empowered to assist Mr. Rossiter in the 
work of recording during the time of the providential weakness of Mr. Rossiter. 



APPENDIX 



A. 

7'he Articles of Confederation for the Jurisdiction of 
New Haven. 

At a General Court held at New Haven for the Jurisdiction, the 27th of 
October, 1643. 

PRESENT. 

Magistrates. Deputies. 

Theophilus Eaton, Governor. George Lamberton, New Haven. 

Stephen Goodyear, Deputy. ]°^'^ Astwood, ^^ ^..r . 

Thomas Gregson. John Shirman, ) 

William Fowler. Will. Leete, 1 o ir j 

,, ™ o TA > Guilford. 

Edward Tapp. Sam : Uisbrough, J 

Rich : Gildersleeve, ^ „^ ^ , 
T ,iT > Stamrord. 

John Whitmore, J 

1. It was agreed and concluded, as a fundamental ord«r not to be disputed or 
questioned hereafter, that none shall be admitted to be free burgesses in any of the 
plantations within this jurisdiction for the future, but such planters as are members 
of some or other of the approved churches in New England, nor shall any but such 
free burgesses have any vote in any election (the six present freemen at Milford en- 
joying the liberty with the cautions agreed).' Nor shall any power or trust in the 
ordering of any civil affairs be at any time put into the hands of any other than such 
church members, though as free planters all have right to their inheritance and to 
commerce, according to such grants, orders and laws as shall be made concerning 
the same. 

2. All such free burgesses shall have power in each town or plantation within this 



1 Milford having previously admitted, as free burgesses, six planters who were not in church- 
fellowship, met some difficulty in securing admission into the confederation ; but, having pro- 
mised that these six should not hereafter be chosen as deputies or into any public trust, for the 
confederation, nor vote personally or by proxy at an election of magistrates, and that in the future 
no one would be made a free burgess but church members, it was received, October 2}, 1643, as 
a member of the jurisdiction. 



184. HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

jurisdiction to choose fit and able men, from amongst themselves, being church 
members as before, to be the ordinary judges, to hear and determine all inferior 
causes, whether civil or criminal, provided that no civil cause to be tried in any of 
these plantation courts in value exceed twenty pounds, and that the punishment in 
such criminals, according to the mind of God, revealed in his word, touching such 
offences, do not exceed stocking and whipping, or if the fine be pecuniary, that it 
exceed not five pounds. In which court the magistrate or magistrates, if any be 
chosen by the free burgesses of the jurisdiction for that plantation, shall sit and assist 
with due respect to their place, and sentence shall pass according to the vote of the 
major part of each such court, only if the parties, or any of them, be not satisfied with 
the justice of such sentences or executions, appeals or complaints may be made from 
and against these courts to the court of magistrates for the whole jurisdiction. 

3. All such free burgesses through the whole jurisdiction, shall have a vote in the 
election of all magistrates, whether governor, deputy governor, or other magistrates, 
with a vote for a treasurer, a secretary and a marshal, etc., for the jurisdiction. And for 
the ease of those free burgesses, especially in the more remote plantations, they may 
vote by proxy in these elections, though absent, their votes being sealed up in the 
presence of the free burgesses themselves, that their severalliberties may be preserved, 
and their votes directed according to their own particular light, nnd these free bur- 
gesses may, at every election, choose so many m.igistrates for each plantation, as tiie 
weight of affairs may require, and as they shall find fit men for that trust. But 
it is provided and agreed, that no plantation sliall at any election be left destitute 
of a magistrate if they desire one to be chosen out of those in church fellowship 
with them. 

4. All the magistrates for the whole jurisdiction shall meet twice a year at New 
Haven, namely, the Monday immediately before the sitting of the two fixed general 
courts hereafter mentioned, to keep a court called the court of magistrates, for the 
trial of weighty and capital cases, whether civil or criminal, above those limited to 
the ordinary judges in the particular plantations, and to receive and try appeals 
brought unto them from the aforesaid plantation courts, and to call all the inhabit- 
ants, whether free burgesses, free planters or others, to account for the breach of 
any laws established, and for other misdemeanors, and to censure them according 
to the quality of the offence, in which meetings of magistrates, less than four shall 
not be accounted a court, nor shall they carry on any business as a court; but it is 
expected and required, that all the magistrates in this jurisdiction do constantly attend 
the public service at the times before mentioned, and if any of them be absent at 
one of the clock in tlie afternoon on Monday aforesaid, when the court shall sit, or 
if any of them depart the town without leave, while the court sits, lie or they shall 
pay for any such default, twenty shillings fine, unless some providence of God occa- 
sion the same, which the court of magistrates shr.ll judge of from time to time, and 



APPENDIX. 185 

all sentences in this court shall pass by the vote of the major part of magistrates 
therein, but from this court of magistrates, appeals and complaints may be made and 
brought to the general court as the last and highest for this jurisdiction ; but in all 
appeals or complaints from, or to, what court soever, due costs and damages shall be 
paid by him or them that make appeal or complaint without just cause. 

5. Besides the plantation courts and court of magistrates, there shall be a general 
court for the jurisdiction, which shall consist of the governor, deputy governor and 
all the magistrates within the jurisdiction, and two deputies for every plantation in 
the jurisdiction, which deputies shall from time to time be chosen against the ap- 
proach of any such general court, by the aforesaid free burgesses^ and sent with due 
certificate to assist in the same, all which, both governor and deputy governor, mag- 
istrates and deputies shall have their vote in the said court. This general court shall 
always sit at New Haven (unless upon weighty occasions the general court see cause 
for a time to sit elsewhere), and shall assemble twice every year, namely, the first 
Wednesday in April, and the last Wednesday in October, in the latter of which 
courts, the governor, the deputy governor and all the magistrates for the whole juris- 
diction with a treasurer, a secretary and marshal, shall yearly be chosen by all the 
free burgesses before mentioned, besides which two fixed courts, the governor, or in his 
absence the deputy governor, shall have power to summon a general court at any other 
time, as the urgent and extraordinary occasions of the jurisdiction may require, and at 
all general courts, whether ordinary or extraordinary, the governor and deputy governor, 
and all the rest of the magistrates for the jurisdiction, with the deputies for the several 
plantations, shall sit together, till the affairs of the jurisdiction be dispatched or may 
safely be respited, and if any of the said magistrates or deputies shall either be absent at 
the first sitting of the said general court (unless some providence of God hinder, which 
the said court shall judge of), or depart, or absent themselves disorderly before the 
court be finished, he or they shall each of them pay twenty shillings fine, with due 
considerations of further aggravations if there shall be cause; which general court 
shall, with all care and diligence provide for the maintenance of the purity of reli- 
gion, and shall suppress the contrary, according to their best light from the word of 
God, and all wholesome and sound advice, which shall be given by the elders and 
churches in the jurisdiction, so far as may concern their civil power to deal therein. 

Secondly, they shall have power to make and repeal laws, and, while they are in 
force, to require execution of them in all the several plantations. 

Thirdly, to Impose an oath upon all the magistrates, for the faithful discharge of 
the trust committed to them, according to their best abilities, and to call them to ac- 
count for the breach of any laws established, or for other misdemeanors, and to cen- 
sure them, as the quality of the offence shall require. 

Fourthly, to impose an oath of fidelity and due subjection to the laws upon all the 
free burgesses, free planters, and other inhabitants within the whole jurisdiction. 

24 



l86 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Fifthly, to settle and levy rates and contributions upon all the several plantations, 
for the public service of the jurisdiction. 

Sixthly, to hear and determine all causes, whether civil or criminal, which by ap- 
peal or complaint shall be orderly brought unto them from any of the other courts, or 
from any of the other plantations. In all which, with whatsoever else shall fall 
within their cognizance or judicature, they shall proceed according to the scriptures, 
wiiich is tlie rule of all righteous laws and sentences, and nothing shall pass as an 
act of the general court but by the consent of the major part of magistrates, and 
the greater part of deputies. — New Ha-vcn Colonial Records, 1638-1 649, pp. 112-116. 

B. 

Admission of Guilford into the Jurisdiction of Connecticut. 

At the general assembly or court of election held at Hartford, October 9, 1662. 

Several inhabitants of Guilford tendering themselves, their persons and estates, 
under the government and protection of this colony. This court doth d-^clare that 
they do accept and own them as members of this colony, and shall be ready to afford 
what protection is necessary. And this court doth advise the said persons to carry 
peaceably and religiously in their places towards the rest of the inhabitants, that yet 
have not submitted in like manner. And also to pay their just dues unto the minis- 
ter of their town ; and also all public charges due to this day. — Col. Rec. of Con- 
necticut, I 636-1 665, page 387. 



Freemen of Guilford in \66(^. 

September 24, '69. A list of the freemen of Guilford, drawn up by the constable 
and townsmen according to the order of the court. 

Mr. Leete, Georg Hiland, 

George Huburd, Daniell Huburd, 

Mr. Rositar, John Bishup, 

John Fowlar, Thomas Chitendon, 

William Johnson, Thomas Mecoke, 

John Scranton, John Parmarly, 

Thomas Cooke, Senior, Abraham Cruttend^-n Jun., 

John Steuens, Daniell Benton, 

Edward Benton, Thomas Cruttenden, 

Abraham Crutendcn Senior, Daniell Euatts, 

John Graue, John Chittenden, 



APPENDIX. 



87 



John Hobson, 
William Ston, 
John Ston, 
William Seword, 
Richard Gutrich, 
John Johnson, 
John Shedar, 



Nathaniell Chittenden, 
Richard Bristo, 
Joseph Dudly, 
Thomas Cooke Jun., 
Henery Crean, 
John Hill, 
John Nortun. 

John Hobson, 
John Graue, 



Townsmen. 



Thomas Cooke, J 

John Stone, Constable. 
Col. Rcc. of Connecticut, 1665-1667, page 525. 



D. 

Permission to purchase Falcon Island. 

At a General Court held at Hartford, October 18, 1677, the following permission 
was granted : 

This court grants Mr. Andrew Leet liberty to purchase Falcon Island and Goose 
Island for himself and his heirs, which said islands lie before or near Guilford. — Col. 
Rec. of Connecticut, 1665-1677, page 325. 



Efforts made to create Guilford County. 

A bill for making a new county to be called Guilford county, and to consist of 
Saybrook, Killingworth, Guilford, Durham and Branford, was passed in the low^r 
house, October, 1718. Journal I.. H. Oct. 22, 1718. The project was revived in 
October, 1728, and in May, 1736, when a bill to erect a new county, composed of 
the foregoing towns with Haddam, having been largely debated, passed the lower 
house. Journals, 1728, 1736, Civil Officers etc., II, 331. Again, in May, 1744, 
and May, 1753, similar bills passed the lower house. Civil Officers, etc., Ill, 62, 393. 
Col. Rec. of Connecticut, 1717-1725, Note to pages 141-2. 



l88 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

F. 

Sl Alb an s Lodge No. 38, Free and Accepted Masons. 

This lodge was instituted in colonial days by virtue of a charter issued by the 
Provincial Grand Master for North America, of which the following is an accurate 
copy: 

John RoivCy Grand Master. 

TO ALL AND EVERY our Right Worshipful and Loving Brethren, Free and 
Accepted Masons now Residing or that may hereafter Reside in Guilford in the 
Colony of Connecticut in New England. TVe John 7?ow« Esquire, Provincial Grand 
Master of the Antient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for all 
North America, where no other Grand Master is Appointed, 

Send Greeting. 

WHEREAS, Application hath been made unto us by Timothy Ward, Bilious 
Ward, David Landon, Timothy Ludinton, Ebcr Watcrhouse, Asher Fairchild, 
Benjamin Stone, Giles Trubee and William Jolinson, Free and Accepted Masons 
now residing in Guilford aforesaid 5 setting forth ti)at they live at a great Distance 
from any regular Lodge, and are deprived of the Benefits of Masonry on that account. 
Therefore humbly Request that they may be made a regular Lodge, and appoint our 
Brother Mr. Bilious Ward to be tlie first Master of the same, and do promise strictly 
to observe all the Laws and Regulations of Masonry, and to the utmost of their 
I'ower Support and Contribute to the well being of the Craft. 

NOW THEREFORE KNOW YE, That we of the great Trust, Power and 
Authority, reposed in us by his Grace the Most Worshipful Hsnry Somerset, Duke of 
Beaufort, etc., Grand Master of Masons, h.ive Constituted and appointed our Right 
Worshipful and well beloved Brother Mr. Bilious Ward to be the first Master of the 
Lodge at Guilford aforesaid, and do hereby impower him to Congregate the Brethren 
together, and form into a Regular Lodge, he taking Special Care that all, and every 
Member thereof, and all transient Persons admitted therein have been, or shall be 
regular made Masons : and that he appoint two Wardens, and other Officers to a 
Lodge Appertaining for the due Regulation of said Lodge for One Year; at the end 
of which he shall Nominate a new Master to be approved by the Lodge, at least two 
thirds of the Members in his favour, and said new Master shall Nominate and Ap- 
point two Wardens and a Secretary for the ensuing year, also a Treasurer, who must 
have the Votes of two-thirds of the Members in his favor; and so the same Course 
Annually. 



APPENDIX. 189 

AND WE DO HEREBY GIVE to said Lodge all the Privileges and Authority 
of other Regular Lodges, Requiring them to observe all and every of the Regulations 
contained in the Printed Book of Constitutions (except such as have been, or may be 
Repealed at any Quarterly Communication or other General Meeting of the Grand 
Lodge in London), to be kept and observed, as also all such other Rules and In- 
structions as may from Time to Time be transmitted to them by Us, or our Deputy, 
or Successors to either for the Time being ; And that they do Annually send an Ac- 
count in Writing to Us, or our Deputy, or Successors to either of Us for the Time 
being, of the Names of the Members of said Lodge, and their Place of Abode, with 
the Days and Place of Meeting, with any other things they may think proper to 
Communicate for the benefit of Masonry; And that they do Annually keep the 
Feast of St. John the Baptist, or St. John the EvangeIist,'or both, and Dine together 
on said Day or Days, or as near either of them as shall be most Convenient : And 
lastly, that they do Regularly Communicate with the Grand Lodge in Boston, by 
sending to the Quarterly Communications such Charity as their Lodge shall think 
fit, for the Relief of Poor Brethren, with the Names of those that Contributed the 
same, that in case any such may come to want Relief, they may have the preference 
to others. 

GIVEN under Our Hand and Seal of Masonry at Boston the loth day of July 
A. D., 1771, and of Masonry 5771. 

RicHAKi. GRiniK.v, D. G. M. 
John Cutler, S. G. W. 
Abr'm Savagk, J. G. M. 
BY THE GRAND 

MASTER'S COMMAND, 

Tho. Brown, Gr. Scc'ry. 
In the early history of this Lodge, the convivial element sccnis not to have been 
lost sight of, and the account-books tell, we arc informed, of taxes frcijucntly levied 
at its meetings to meet the expense of F/ip purch.ased for its members. Indeed the 
flip -mug, which was used on such occasions of solemn conviviality, is said still to be 
in existence, although no longer employed as in former days. 

The regular communications of the Lodge are held on the first and third Monday 
nights of each month at Masonic Hall. 



190 HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



Past Masters of St. Albans Lodge. 

1771, 2, 3, Billious Ward. 

1 774> 5> • • . Eli Foote. 

1797, Isaac Chalker. 

1798, George Cleveland. 

1799, Oliver Bray. 

1 800, Jedediah Lathrop. 

1801, . George Cleveland. 

1802,3 Joel Griffing. 

1 804, 5,6, Jeremiah Parmelee. 

1807, William Spencer. 

1808, 9, Peletiah Leete. 

1810, Thomas Powers. 

181 1, Jeremiah Parmelee. 

1812, 3, Jedediah Lathrop. 

1814, Abraham I. Chittenden. 

1815,16, Joseph Griffing. 

1817,18,19, Jedediah Lathrop. 

1820, I, 2, 3, Amos Seward. 

1 824, Merritt Foote. 

1825, 6, Jedediah Lathrop. 

1827, Amos Seward. 

1851, Charles A. Ball. 

1852, C. L. Crowel. 

1853, Charles W. Miller. 

1854, C. L. Crowd. 

1855, 6, 7, 8, 9, 60, 1,2, Asahel B. Morse. 

1863, 4, 5, 6, Henry B. Stannard. 

1 867, 8, 9, William T. Dowd. 

1870, I, Henry B. Stannard. 

1872, 3, William T. Dowd. 

1874, 5, C. Henry Norton. 

X876, William T. Dowd. 

1877, C. Henry Norton. 

The records of the lodge having been destroyed by the fire at Music Hall, 186: 
the names of its masters from 1775 to 1797 cannot be furnished. 

The charter was revoked in 1S27, and the lodge resuscitated in 1851. 



APPENDIX. 



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HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



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194 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 



H. 

The Guilford Agricultural Society. 

This society, composed largely of Guilford farmers and others interested in agri- 
culture and horticulture, has been in existence about sixteen years, although only 
acting under a permanent organization since 1872, and incorporated in 1874. Its 
object is to awaken and promote an intelligent interest in agricultural and kindred 
pursuits. 

It has held fourteen annual agricultural and industrial exhibitions, usually during 
the latter part of September or the beginning of October. These attract large num- 
bers of visitors from Guilford and the adjoining towns, affording opportunity for an 
examination of the articles exhibited and a pleasant exchange of views on agricul- 
tural and industrial subjects. Competition at these exhibitions, or fairs, is ordinarily 
confined to Guilford and the neighboring towns. 

The officers for 1877 were as follows : 

President. 
William E. Weed. 



Jerome Coan, 



Vice-Presidenti. 

Secretary. 

J. W. Norton. 

Treasurer. 

George B. Spencer. 

Directors. 



Sidney W. Leete 



Richard H. Woodrufe, 
Richard W. Starr, 
Lewis Fowler, 
Arthur S. Fowler, 
E. Roger Davis, 
Charles L. Benton, 
Dudley Chittenden, 



Everett L. Dudley, 
Daniel L. Spencer, 
Roger C. Leete, 
H. Francis Dudley, 
William H. Lee, 
Henry H. Griswold, 
George W. Dudley, 



Wilbur F. Rossiter. 

Chief Marshal. 
Richard F. Kelsey. 



APPENDIX. 195 

I. 

United Workers for Public Improvement. 

This association, familiarly known by its initials as the U. W. P. I., was organized, 
February 9th, 1874. Its objects are defined in the constitution, as being the rais- 
ing of funds to repair the walks, light the streets, improve the condition of the 
village Green, and extend the work of beautifying and improving the village as ne- 
cessity may demand and funds shall permit. The active membership is composed 
of ladies and numbers one hundred and two; gentlemen are admitted to honorary 
membership, and thirty have availed themselves of the privilege. 

The funds to carry out the general designs of the association are raised from the 
annual dues for membership, special subscriptions and donations, the proceeds of 
occasional concerts, lectures and exhibitions, the proceeds of ice cream festivals and 
restaurants improvised on stated public occasions. 

It has caused to be erected eighty-eight lamp posts throughout the village and 
kept the same number of lights burning during nights requiring artificial illumination 
for the benefit of the traveler, supervised the preservation and improvement of the 
walks and grass of the village Green, and in a general way encouraged the planting 
of trees and ornamentation of the homes of the good people of Guilford. This 
has been done by personal as well as united efforts, in which the members have 
not hesitated to take hold of the work with their own hands. The annual raking 
of the Green in the spring by the ladies is quite a fete day, and is an occasion of much 
pleasure and satisfaction to all the citizens. 

An auxiliary to the U. W. P. I., formed May 28, 1877, having as its object 
the charitable design of relieving suffering in the community, is expected to be a 
most active and useful branch of the association. 

The officers of the U. W. P. I., elected February 9th, 1877, are as follows : 
President. 
Mrs. B. B. Parkhurst. 
Vice Presidents. 
Mrs. A. G. Hull, Mrs. Henry Hale, 

" Lydia Coan, " Edward Griswold, 

" Harvey Leete, " Hart Landon, 

« A. A. Stone, '« R. L. Towler, 

" Charles Griswold, Miss Lizzie Spencer. 

Secretary and Treasurer. 
Miss Sarah Brown. 



196 



HISTORY OF GUILFORD. 

Execttti've Committee. 
Mrs. Richard Spencer, Mrs. Geo. C. Kimbekly, 

" Hy. E. Norton, " N. F. Leete, 

" E. B. Fowler, " James Cook, 

" H. D. CuiTTENPEN, '' Amos Chittenpen. 

Committee on the Filla'^c Green, 

Mrs. Rii'LEY Baymes, Mrs. Helen Faumei.ee, 

Miss Lydia D. Chittenpen. 

Committee un Cm e of Lamps. 

Mrs E. B. Fowler, Miss Nettie Fowlek, 

" A. G. Hum., Mrs. Hy. E. Norton. 



The manuscript of tiie History of Guilford, prcp.ircd after many years of loving 
study of its old records and the lives of its early settlers hy the late Judge R.ilph 
D. Smith, with such annotations and additions as the editor was ahle to make, has 
been presented by his heirs to the U. W. P. I., with the hope that its publication 
would contribute to the fostering of a genuine pride in the citizens of a village that 
has borne an honorable name for two hundred and thirty-eight years, and that any 
profits resulting from its sale, would be applied to the ornamentation and improve- 
ment of old Guilford. 

It is proper to add that Miss Nettie Fowler and Mrs. Ripley Baylies constitute 
the committee appointed by the association to scijure subscribers and superintend the 
distribution of the booic. 



INDEX. 



Adams, Andrew, 191. 

Adams, Rev. Dr. Wm., 137. 

Address to Guilford, an, 124, 125. 

Agicomook, 9 ; or Stony creek, 73. 

Agricultural society, 194. 

Ahaddon, 70; alias [oshua, 71, 72. 

Aiasomut, 70. 

Ajicomick river, 65. 

Albany, 97. 

Alden, Miss Almira, ii2. 

Alderbrook cemetery, 112, 132, 141. 

Alexandria, Va., 193. 

Allen's American Biographical Die 

tionary, 69. 
Allyn, John, 80. 
Alms house, 58. 
Ambler, Rev. John L., 118. 
American Biographical Dictionary, 

Allen's, 69. 
American Peace Society, corresponding 

secretary of, 113. 
Amherst college, 99. 
Andrews, Joseph, 85. 
Andross, E., 160. 
Andross, Edmund, 20. 
Andross, Major, 123. 
Antietam, Md., 191, 192. 
Apostle to the Indians, 132. 
Appendix, A, 183-186; B, 186; C, 

186, 187; D, 187; E, 187; F, 

188, 189, 190; G, 191, 192, 193; 

H, 194; I, 19s. 196. 
Aquaihamish, a blind Indian, 70. 



Arlington, i 30. 

Arlington Heights, Va., 191. 

Articles of agreement, 66-68 ; of con- 
federation for the jurisdiction of 
New Haven, 183-186. 

Ashawmutt, 67. 

Ashford, 99. 

Asia Minor, U. S. consul to, 136. 

Assembly, no meeting of, 160. 

Assoweion, 70. 

Astor, John [acob, 132. 

Astor, William B,, 132. 

Astwood, John, 183. 

Athamonassett river, 63, 71. 

Athens, Ga., college at, 128. 

Athol, Mass., 113, 114. 

Attestation, An, to the Church History of 
New England, 93. 

Atwater, Ira, 87. 

Austin, Francis, 16. 

Austin, Stephen, 16. 

Austin, city of, 16. 

Avon, 42. 

Ayres, W. H., 85. 

Backus, Dr. Chas., of Somers, 97. 

Bacon, Rev. Leonard, D.D., 141. 

Baily, John, 28. 

Baldwin, 32. 

Baldwin, Abraham, 128. 

Baldwin, Rev. Abraham C, 83, 84, 

118. 
Baldwin, Benjamin, 176. 



198 



INDEX. 



Baldwin, Rev. David, 108. 

Baldwin, Judge Henry, 97. 

Baldwin, John, 20, 23, 24 ; took the 
oath of fidelity, 20. 

Baldwin, Nathaniel, 30, 105. 

Baldwin, Samuel, 28. 

Baldwin, Rev. Dr. 'J'hcron, 137. 

Baldwin, Timothy, 30. 

Baldwin, Wm. W., 147. 

Baldwin county, Ga., 129. 

Ball, Charles A., 190. 

Banks, Rev. Geo. W., 6, 85, 115, 142. 

Baptist church organized, no. 

Baptists, number in Guilford, 183S, 116. 

Barber's Conn. Hist. Collections, 49, loi. 

Barker, Elizur, 144. 

Barker, Jacob, 132. 

Barker, S. A., 146. 

Barker, Samuel, 144. 

Barker, Samuel A., 1 1 r. 

Barnes, Timothy, 50. 

Barnum, Henry S., 85. 

Bartlett, Augustus E., 149. 

Bartlett, Daniel, 30. 

Bartlett, David, 180. 

Bartlett, Ebenezer, 105. 

Bartlett, Edwin W., 150. 

Bartlett, George, 13, 25, 30, 105, no, 

119, 154, 156, 157,182. 
Bartlett, J. H., 146. 
Bartlett, John, 119,157. 
Bartlett, John 2d, 147. 
Bartlett, John H., no, 178, 180. 
Bartlett, Joseph, 107. 
Bartlett, Marcus B., 178. 
Bartlett, Nathaniel, 149. 
Bartlett, Richard, 148, 179. 
Bartlett, Stephen R., 150, 179, 180. 
Bartlett, William Nelson, 191. 
Basaltic cliffs, 44. 
Bayley, John, 29. 
Baylies, Mrs. Ripley, 196. 



Beattie, John, 41, 148. 

Beaufort, Henry Somerset, Duke of, 188. 

Beckwith, Mathew, 29. 

Bedloe's island, N. Y., 191. 

Beecher, Dr. Lyman, 97. 

Beers, Henry A., 191. 

Bellamy, Mathew, 25, 81. 

Belleville ave. Congregational church, 
115. 

Bennett, Rev. Lorenzo T., D.D., 6, 
109, 142. 

Benton, Amos N., 147. 

Benton, Andrew, 27. 

Benton, Andrew J., 142. 

Benton, Charles H., 191. 

Benton, Charles L., 194. 

Benton, Dan., 24. 

Benton, Daniel, 27, 107, 186. 

Benton, Edward, 13, 15, 24, 27, 186. 

Benton, Henry 2d, 180. 

Benton, Joel Canfield, 191. 

Benton, Joel Edward, 191. 

Benton, Joseph, 30. 

Benton, Lot, place, 87. 

Benton, Raphael Ward, 191. 

Berkshire county, Mass., 32. 

Berlin, 143. 

Bethlehem, Conn., 115. 

Betts, Thomas, 13, 14, 25, 59. 

Birch, Heman, 137. 

Bishop, Charles Augustus, 191. 

Bishop, Ebenezer, 30, 108. 

Bishop, David, 105. 

Bishop, E. C, 20. 

Bishop, Enos, 48. 

Bishop, James, 154. 

Bishop, John, 9, 10, 12, 23, 28, 52, 

54, 59, 62, 65, 66, 151, 186. 
Bishop, John jr., 25, 27. 
Bishop, John sen., 13, 15, 27. 
Bishop, Martin C, 150. 
Bishop, Samuel, 30. 



199 



Bishop, widow Susanna, 29. 

Bishop, Stephen, 14, 15, 25, 27, 78, 79. 

Blackley, Samuel, 14. 

Blake, Rev. E. A., iii. 

Blake, George W., 191. 

Blanford, Mass., 99. 

Blatchley, Lewis Wm., 191. 

Blatchley, Samuel, 26 ; lots and accom- 
modations, 23. 

Bloody cove, 47. 

BlufFhead, 43, 45. 

Booth, Wilson, 87. 

Boreman, William, 14, 15, 26, 27 ; died, 
26. 

Bowers, John, 19, 93. 

Bowers, Rev. John, 27. 

Bowers, Mr., 94. 

Boston, 18, 38, 39, 93. 

Bowdoin college, 118. 

Boynton, Rev. George M., 115. 

Bradley, Abraham 3d, 124. 

Bradley, Ellis D., 191. 

Bradley, Nathan, 21 ; account of, 21, 22. 

Bradley, Stephen, 21, 74. 

Bradley, Capt. Stephen, 162. 

Bradley, Lieut. Stephen, 161. 

Bradley, Sergt. Stephen, 72, 73, 77. 

Brainerd, Rev. Israel, 97. 

Brainerd, Mr., 104. 

Branford, 7, 9, 22, 26, 27, 32, 43, 47, 
116, 142, 143, 144, 187; bounds, 
77; Menunkatuck Indians ai, 11. 

Bray, Oliver, 190. 

Bray, Thomas R., 149. 

Bray, Thomas Wells, A. M., pastor of 
the Third church in Guilford, 96. 

Bray, Rev. Thomas Wells, 117. 

Brewer, Rev. Daniel, 102. 

Bridgeport, 142. 

Bridgeport, Conn., 118. 

Bridge street, 18. 

Bristo, Richard, 187. 



Bristow, Richard, 13, 24, 59. 

Bristol, England, 19. 

British parliament, member of, 121. 

British ship, a, in the sound, 49. 

Broad street, 18. 

Broadway landing, Va., 192. 

Brooklyn, N. Y., 84, 115. 

Brookfield, 137. 

Brooks, David, 42. 

Brown, S., 171. 

Brown, Miss Sarah, 195. 

Brown, Tho., 189. 

Brown, William, 174. 

Browne, Mr., 129. 

Brownell, Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Church, 

109. 
Bryan, Alex., 154. 
Bryant, William Cullen, 134. 
Buildings, number of, in the village, 1838, 

35- 
BuUard, Henry B., 191. 
Burgess, Rev. Nathan B., 108. 
Burgess, Thomas, 105. 
Burgis, John, 146. 170, 171, 172, 173. 
Burgis, John, bill of mortality kept by, 

39. 40- 
Burgis, Deacon John, 145. 
Burgis, Jno. Randolph, 191. 
Burgis, Thomas, no, 182. 
Burgis, Deacon Thos. jr., 145. 
Burton, 121. 
Bushnell, Elizabetli, 20. 
Bushnell, Francis, 12, 13, 20, 26. 
Bushnell, Rev. Dr. Horace, 137. 
Butcher, Daniel, 26. 
Butler, Rev. David, 108. 
Butler, William Allen, 134. 
Byfield, Maj., 90. 

Caffinch, Jno., 65, 66. 

Caffinge, John, 9, 10, 15, 28, 62. 

Caldwell, Charles, 28. 



200 



INDEX. 



Calumet, the, editor of, 113. 

Cambridge, 121. 

Camp distemper, 40. 

Canaan, 32. 

Canada, threatened invasion from, 131. 

Canfield, Joel, 42. 

Canfield, Dr. Joel, 146. 

Cape Breton, 48. 

Centennial celebration, 141. 

Central Park, N. Y., 134. 

Cincinnati, O., Second Presbyterian 

church, 112. 
Chalker, Alexander, 13, 25. 
Chalker, Isaac, 190. 
Chamish, 70. 

Chancellorsville, Va., 192. 
Charles I, 120. 
Charleston, N. H., 32. 
Charleston, S. C, 93. 
Chatfield, Francis, 12, 15. 
Chatfield, George, 14, 15, 25, 27. 
Chatfield, Thomas, 13, 15, 26. 
Chatham, 143. 
Chatham, Conn., 113. 
Chatham, N. Y., 117. 
Chattanooga, Tenn., 191. 
Chester Factory, Mass., 118. 
Chew, Mr. Joseph, 49. 
Chicago, 112. 
Chidsey, Joseph, 30. 
Chidsey, N., 174. 
Chidsey, Nathan, 149. 
Chipman, Klizabeth Grey, 113. 
Cliipnian Lineage, the, 114. 
Chipman, Mr., publications of, 114. 
Chipman, Richard Harrison, 114. 
Chipman, Deacon Richard M., 113. 
Chipman, Rev. Richard Manning, 1 1 3. 
Chitendon, Thomas, 1S6. 
Ciiittenden, Abraham, 105. 
Chittenden, Abraham J., 190. 
Chitleiulen, Deacon Abram, 145. 



Chittenden, Mrs. Amos, 196. 

Chittenden, Anson, 106. 

Chittenden, Rev. Charles, iii. 

Chittenden, Daniel, 146. 

Chittenden, Dudley, 194. 

Chittenden, Ebenczer, i 30. 

Chittenden, Ebenezer 2d, i 30. 

Chittenden, Gov., 151. 

Chittenden, Mrs. H. D., 196. 

Chittenden, Henry W., 83, 84, 146, 182. 

Chittenden, John, 72, i86.'" 

Chittenden, Sergt. John, 78, 79. 

Chittenden, John B., 106. 

Chittenden, Levi, 119. 

Chittenden, Miss Lydia, 196. 

Chittenden, Mrs. Mary G., organ pre- 
sented by, 88. 

Chittenden, Nathaniel, 187. 

Chittenden, Samuel, 105. 

Chittenden, Simeon, 119. 

Chittenden, Deacon Simeon, 149. 

Chittenden, Simeon B., 83, 84. 

Chittenden, Hon. Simeon B., 142. 

Chittenden, Thomas, 27, 72, 130. 

Chittenden, William, 9, 10, 12, 23, 25, 
27, 52, 54, 59, 61, 62, 65, 66, 130, 
151. 153. 154, 155, 156- 

Chittenden county, 32; landing, 8. 

Clirist church, 109. 

Christian Indian burying ground, 69. 

Church of England, 108 ; Liturgy of, 108. 

Clams, fislieries of, 8. 

Clapboard iiill, 38, 43; district, 82, 83. 

Clarcmont, N. H., 32. 

Clark, Joseph, 30. 

Clark, Sylvanus, 144. 

Clark, Thos., 24. 

Clarke, Thomas, 20. 

Clay, Joseph, 27. 

Clements, Moses G., 191. 

Clements, Nathan C, 191. 

Cleveland, George, 190. 



INDEX. 



20 1 



Coan, Abraham, 110, 146. 

Coan, Jerome, 150, 194. 

Coan, Joseph, 191. 

Coan, Mrs. Lydia, 195. 

Coasting trade, vessels employed in, 33. 

Cohabit, 29, 30. 

Colchester, 42. 

Collins, Augustus, 172, 173, 174, 175, 
176. 

Collins, Gen'l Augustus, 149. 

Collins, Charles, no. 

Collins, Daniel, 30'^ 104. 

Collins, John, 22, 23, 28, 30, 78, 79, 
81, 108. 

Collins, John sen., 172. 

Collins, Mr. John 2d, 163. 

Collins, Lewis, 42. 

Collins, Samuel, 108.' 

Collins, Timothy, 104. 

Collins, Wm. R., 119. 

Colonial Records, 157. 

Colonial Records of Connecticut, 181, 
187. 

Columbia college, N. Y., 133. 

Combination, the, 152. 

Commonasnock, 70. 

Cone, Henry D., 85. 

Congregational church, 35; ancient, re- 
moved, 38; Harwinton, Conn., 113; 
West Hartford, 114; Bethlehem, 
Conn., 1 15 5 Newark, N. J., 115. 

Congregationalists, 575 number in Guil- 
ford, 1838, 116; in North Guilford, 
1838, 120. 

Connecticut, 29, 43, 46, 93, 112, 121 ; 
Halleck's poem, 6 ; Western Re- 
serve, Ohio, 33 ; guest from, 37 5 
general assembly of, 39 j river, 39, 
44, 46, 47 ; Historical Collections, 
Barber's, 49; colony of, 51 ; path, 
68, 71 ; charter granted by general 
court, 77, 80; 

26 



Connecticut, first meeting house in, 
with a steeple, 87 ; Home Mis- 
sionary Society, 97 ; Journal, the, 
loi ; extract from, 49; and New 
Haven colonies united, 156; admis- 
sion of Guilford into the jurisdiction 
of, 186. 

Constitutional convention, delegates to, 
177. 

Continental army, chaplain in, 128. 

Cook, Fairfield, 191. 

Cook, James, 196. 

Cook, Thomas, 13, 157, 181. 

Cook, Wequash, 69. 

Cooke, Thomas, 12, 24. 

Cooke, Thomas, sen., 186. 

Cooke, Thomas, jr., 187. 

Cooper, the novelist, 72. 

Corbin, Benjamin, 179. 

Corson, Rev. Levi H., 109. 

Corwin, James, 107. 

Cosster's, Mrs., physics and physical 
drugs, 41. 

Cotton, Mr., 90, 91,93. 

Cotton, John, 19, 93. 

Cotton, Rev. John, 93. 

County court in Hartford, one of the first 
judges of, 28. 

County court for New Haven county 
organized, 154. 

Court of probate, first judge of, 27. 

Covenant, signed on shipboard, 11, 12. 

Cox, Patrick, 191. 

Crampton, Dennis, 21, 27. 

Crane, Henry, 23 ; removed to Killing- 
worth, 23. 

Crane, Jasper, 154. 

Crean, Henry, 187. 

Cromwell, Jane, 120. 

Cromwell, Lord Protector Oliver, 120. 

Cromwill, Oliver, relative of, 17. 

Cromwell's parliament, 121. 



202 



/ 



Crooked Lane, 28, 124, 126, 127. 

Crooper hill, 77. 

Crosswell, Rev. Dr. Hairy, 109. 

Crowel, C. L., 190. 

Cruttenden, Abraham, 12, 27,78, 79, 

181. 
Cruttenden, Abraham jr., 14, 24, 27, 

186. 
Cruttenden, Abraham sen., 13, 15, 24, 

27, 186. 
Cruttenden, Isaac, 27. 
Cruttenden, Rev. Richard, 119. 
Cruttenden, Samuel, 107. 
Cruttenden, Thomas, 27, 186. 
Curtis, Rev. William B., 119. 
Cutler, Mr., 129. 
Cuyler, John, 189. 

Daggett, Judge, 137. 

Daniels, Joseph L, 85. 

Darken, Rev. Edward, 109. 

Darwin, Ephraim, 28, 29. 

Dartmouth college, 113. 

Davis, Edwin O., 106. 

Davis, John, 107. 

Davis, John Nelson, 191. 

Davis, Samuel Richard, 191. 

Davis E. Roger, 194. 

Day, Rev. T. L., 35. 

Day, Rev. Theodore L., 100, 142. . 

Death, the advantage of the Godly, a 
discourse on, 95. 

Decoration day, corner stone of monu- 
ment laid, 51. 

Deep Bottom, Va., 191, 192. 

Do Forrest, Judge Robert E , 142. 

Denison, Richard, 42. 

Deputies, list of, 155, 156. 

Derby, 27, 94. 

Desborough, Mr., 32, 51, 54. 

Desborough, Samuel, 59. 

Desborough, Mr., 152. 



Disborough, Samuel, 25, 41, 120, 121, 
145. 151. 153, 155, 183. 

Disborough, Samuel, terryer of, 61. 

Disborow, Elizabeth, divorced wife of 
Thomas Relf, 16. 

Disborow, James, 120. 

Disborow, Maj. Gen. John, 120. 

Disborow, Mr., 18, 25. 

Disborow, Samuel, 12, 17, 18, 68, 69, 
89, 120. 

Disbrow, Samuel, 59. 

Discourse on Ecclesiastical Prosperity,! 14; 
on Free Discussion, 114; on Main- 
tenance of Moral Purity, 114. 

Divinity school at New Haven, 114. 

Dodd, Stephen, 28. 

Dolph, William Henry, 191. 

Dover, N. H., 112. 

Douglass, Rev. , iii. 

Dowd, Benjamin R., 191. 

Dowd, Henry, 13, 15, 24. 

Dowd, Hy., 27. 

Dowd, J. A., 148. 

Dowd, Julius A., 116, 179, 180. 

Dowd, Julius N., 82. 

Dowd, William T., 190. 

Dowde, Henry, 12. 

Dudley, Abraham, 106. 

Dudley, Asher, 116. 

Dudley's, David, dwelling house, 8. 

Dudley, Everett L., 194. 

Dudley, George W., 194. 

Dudley, H. Francis, 194. 

Dudley, Hy. Chittenden, 192. 

Dudley, Joseph, 81, 162, 182, 187. 

Dudley, Sergt. Joseph, 162. 

Dudley, Martin, 104. 

Dudley, Mr., 82. 

Dudley, Oliver, 149. 

Dudley, Samuel W., 119, 149, 17S, 179, 
180. 

Dudley, Selah 1 19. 



INDEX. 



203 



Dudley, W. C, 147. 

Dudley, Wm., 12, 13,24, 30, 119, 149. 

Dudley, Wm. M., 149. 

Dudley's creek, 8. 

Dunn, Samuel Bradley, 191. 

Dunk, Thomas, 16. 

Durham, 7, 32, 45, 142, 187 j turnpike, 

45- 
Dutchman's coat, 10. 
Dutton, Rev. Aaron, 88, 98. 
Dutton, Dorcas S., 99. 
Dutton, Rev. Dr., 83. 
Dutton, Mary, 99. 
Dutton, Mr., 104. 
Dutton, S. W. S.. D.D., 104. 
Dutton, Rev Samuel W. S.. 99. 
Dutton, Thomas, 104. 
Dutton, Deacon Thomas, 98. 
Dutton, Rev. Thomas, 99. 
Dutton, Rev. Thomas Rice, iiS. 
Duty of Living and Dying to tiie Lord, 

funeral sermon, 96. 
Dwight, Dr., 57. 

East creek, 34, 43, 45. 

East end point, 78. 

East Granby, Conn., 113. 

East Greenwich, in Kent, 79. 

East Guilford, 8, 29, 30, 48, 50, 81, 

130, 131. 
East Haddam, 1 17. 
East Hampton, 26. 
East Hampton, Long Island, 27. 
East Haven, 9, 30, 47 j heights, 50 ; 

Menunkatuck Indians at, 11. 
East Riding of Long Island, 26. 
East river^ 8, 9. 10, 18, 43, 45, 46, 66, 

67, 68, 71, 73, 74, 81. 
Easton, Pa., 137. 
Eaton, Gov., 120. 
Eaton, Theophilus, governor, 183. 
Eddy, Rev. Henry, 118. 



Edinburgh, 120. 
Eliot, Jared, 104. 
Eliot, John, 161. 
Eliot, Rev. John, 132; pastor of Rox- 

bury, 94. 
Eliot, Joseph, 94. 
Eliot, Mary, 132. 
Eliot, Mr. 94. 
Elliot, Lucius, 1 17. 
Elliott, 32. 
Elliott, Aarun, 144. 
Elliott, Henry, 149, 178. 
Elliott, James, 81. 

Elliott, John, 144, 170, 171, 173, 174. 
Elliott, John, A. M., pastor of a church 

in E. Guilford, 97. 
Elliott, Joseph, 19, 27, 41, 48, 145, 175, 

176. 
Elliott, Mr, 81. 
Elliott, Reuben, 92, 144, 145. 
Elliott, Samuel, 92, 146. 
Elliott, Whitney, 149. 
Elliott, Wyllys, 17, 92, 149. 
Elizabethtown, 81. 
Ellington, Conn., 114, 115. 
Ellsworth, Oliver, 114. 
Ely, Hon. Smith, jr., 134. 
England, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 28, 51, 

89, 91, 120, 121, 145. 
English, 42, 47 ; settlement commenced, 

9 ; coats, 9 ; planters of Menun- 
katuck, 10, 65, 66, 67, 68 ; 

of America, 19; soldiers, 46; 

magistrates, 68. 
Ephraim's rocks, 29. 
Episcopal church, 100; in process of 

erection, 35; taken down, 38; in 

New Haven, 109; wardens, iioj 

congregation, 108. 
Episcopalians, number in Guilford, 1838, 

116; in North Guilford, 1838,1205 

of Stratford, 129. 



204 



Essex, England, 23, 29. 

Essexborough, 38. 

Ettisley, manor of, in Cambridgeshire, 

120. 
Euatts, Daniell, 186. 
Europe, 99, 114, 132. 
Evain, Scotland, 28. 
Evangelical (Congregational) church, 

113. 
Evarts, Daniel, 27. 
Evarts, John, 13, 24, 25, 27. 
Evarts, Oliver "Wolcott, 192. 
Everest, Jacob, 29. 

Fairchild, Asher, 188. 

Fairchild, Joy H., 104. 

Fairchild, Lewis, 50. 

Fairchild, William, 50. 

Fairfax seminary, Va., 191. 

Fairfield, 23. 

Fairfield, Conn., 113. 

Fairfield, Illinois, 33, 106. 

Fair Oaks, Va., 191. 

Fair street, 18, 22, 29. 

Falcon island, 66 ; permission to ]iur- 

chase, 187. 
Falmouth, Va., 192. 
Farmer's wharf, 45. 
Farmington, 28, 117. 
Fener, Joseph, 81,. 
Fenn, Benj., 154. 
Fen wick, George, 10, 62, 64. 
Fen wick, Mr., 10, 66, 91. 
Field, David, 50. 
Field, Edmund Irving, 192. 
Field, Edmund M., 149. 
Field, Rev . Julius, 1 1 1 . 
First church, persons who have entered 

the ministry fiom, 104; names of 

deacons, 105, 106. 
First Congregational church, 82, 112; 

North Branford, Conn., 114. 



First Society, 8, 18, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 

37, 42, 43. 45, 81, 82, 103. 
Fishing, advantages for, 9. 
Fitch, Samuel, 42. 
Five Forks, Va., 193. 
Flip, taxes levied to meet expense of, 

189; mug, still in existence, 

189. 
Florence, S. C, 192. 
Folly island, S. C, 192. 
Foote, Anson, 42. 
Foote, Dr. Anson, 146. 
Foote, Eli, 190. 

Foote, George A., 110, 178, 179. 
Foote, Col. George A., 146. 
Foote, Geo. Augustus, 192. 
Foote, Merritt, 190. 
Fourth church, list of deacons in, 107. 
Fourth Society in Guilford, 100, 103 ; 

last clergyman settled over, 103. 
Fowlar, John, 186. 
Fowler, 32. 

Fowler, Abraham, 145, 161. 
Fowler, Capt. Abr., 162, 163. 
Fowler, Ensign Abr., 161. 
Fowler, Lieut. Abr., 162. 
Fowler, Abraham S., 178. 
Fowler, Ammi, 149. 
Fowler, Amos, 179. 
Fowler, Rev. Amos, 96. 
Fowler, Andrew, 104. 
Fowler, Rev. Andrew, 108. 
Fowler, Arthur S., 194. 
Fowler, A. S., 146. 
Fowler, David S., 149. 
Fowler, Douglas, 192. 
Fowler, Mrs. E. B., 196. 
Fowler, Emerson S., 192. 
Fowler, Henry, 148, 179, 180. 
Fowler, Henry 2d, 179. 
Fowler, Henry, of Rich., 180. 
Fowler, Henry C, 35. 



INDEX. 



205 



Fowler, John, 13, 18, 24, 54, 105, 154, 

156, 157, 158,181. 
Fowler, Dea. John, 158, 159. 
Fowler, John H., 104, 182. 
Fowler, Joseph, 30. 
Fowler, Judge, 18. 
Fowler, Lewis, 194. 
Fowler, Louis, 150. 
Fowler, Mr., 97, 104. 
Fowler, Miss Nettie, 196. 
Fowler, Noah, 147. 
Fowler, Oliver B., 34. 
Fowler, Mrs. R. L., 195. 
Fowler, Richard, 149. 
Fowler, Richard H., 192. 
Fowler, Samuel, 30, 182, 192. 
Fowler, Maj. Samuel, 144, 145. 
Fowler, Stephen, 149. 
Fowler, Victor, 149. 
Fowler, William, 183. 
Fredericksburg, Va., 192, 193. 
Freemen, names and date of admission as, 

12, 13. 
French, John, 1S2. 
French, Thomas, 14, 15, 24, 27, 59. 
French war, second, 48. 
Frisbie, Russell, 22, 147. 

GalLigher, Rev. C. W., iii. 

General assembly, 177. 

General court, deputies to assist, when 
chosen, 535 deputies to, from Guil- 
ford, 157, 177. 

Georgia, 38, 112, 128. 

Gettysburg, Pa., 191, 192. 

Gibbon, 85. 

Gilbert, Dorcas S., 99. 

Gilbert, Rev. Edwin R.,of Wallingford, 

99- 

Gilbert, Wells, 192. 
Gildersleeve, Rich., 183. 
Glastonbury, 108. 



Gneiss rock, 44. 

Goffe, Gen., 122. 

Goffe, Judge, 116. 

Goldam, Henry, 15, 25. 

Goldsmith, 85. 

Goldsmith, Alvah B., 144, 146. 

Goldsmith, Elder Alvah B., ordained, 
no. 

Goldsmith, Joshua, iii. 

Goodrich, Richard, 26. 

Goodwin, Mr., 90. 

Goodyear, Stephen, deputy, 183. 

Goose island, 187. 

Gordon, Charles E., 85. 

Gordon, Mary, 112. 

Goshen, 52. 

Graham, Rev. John, 100. 

Graham, John L., 192. 

Granite rocks, 44. 

Graue, John, 186, 187. 

Graves, John, 20, 24, 105, 106, 158, 
1S2 ; town clerk, 20. 

Graves, Capt. John, 1 61. 

Graves, Deacon John, 78, 79, i6o. 

Graves, Ens. John, 158, 159, i6c. 

Graves, Sherman, 83, 84, 179. 

Graves, Deacon William, 77. 

Great Barrington, Mass., 118. 

Great harbor, 47. 

Green, Dr. Ashbel, president of Prince- 
ton college, 102. 

Green, Samuel^ 93. 

Green, tiie, 18, 38, 82. 

Greene, Gen., 12. 

Greenfield Hill, Fairfield, Conn., 115. 

Greenville, N. Y., 33, 303. 

Greenwich, Conn., 81. 

Gregson, Thomas, 183. 

Gridley, Richard, 189. 

Griffin, Henry, in. 

Griffing, Jasper, 29, 92. 

Griffing, Joel, 190. 



2o6 



INDEX. 



Griffing, Joel L., 42. 

Griffing, Joseph, 190. 

Griffing, Judge, 18. 

Griffing, Nathaniel, 83, 121,^14:5,^7-5,' 
176, 177, 178. 

Griffing, Judge Nathaniel, 92. 

Griffing, Robert, 119. 

Griffing, Mrs. Sarah, 83. 

Griswold, Amos jr., 148. 

Griswold, Mrs. Charles, 195. 

Griswold, Mrs. Edward, 195. 

Griswold, George, 144, 146. 

Griswold, Geo. C, 148. 

Griswold, H. B., 14S. 

Griswold, Henry H., 194. 

Griswold, John, 179. 

Griswold, Levcrett, 116, 147, 179. 

Griswold, Lewis, 147, 179. 

Griswold, Sherman, 104. 

Griswold, Thomas, 28. 

Griswold's rocks, 17. 

Grosvenor, Mr., 118. 

Grosvenor, Joseph A., 192. 

Grosvenor, Samuel E., 192. 

Grove Hall Female Seminary, New 
Haven, 99. 

Guildford, 12; capital of Surry, 12. 

Guilford, 6, 7, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 
21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 
34, 37, 41, 42, 43, 44, 47, 4^, 49, 
51, 52, 54, 58, 66, 71,73, 74, 75, 
76, 81, 85, 91, 92, 93,94, 95, 96, 
97, 100, loi, 102, 106, 108, 122, 
142, 143, 144, 191, 192, 193; 
sketch of the history of, 5 ; poet, 
the, 6 ; harbor, 7, 45, 46 ; First 
Society, 8, 86; present town of, pur- 
chased, 9 ; articles given for, 9 ; 
borough, 9, 36, 45 ; great plains 
south of, 93; Johnsons, ancestor of, 
20; Savings Bank, the, 35; its 
officers, 35 ; point, 36; Fourth Book 
of Deeds, 37; road through, 38; 



Guilford, turnpike,45; oysters,46; account 
of a military expedition from, 49 ; 
Booke of the more fixed Orders for 
the Plantation, 62 ; recards, 73, 80 ; 
article in, 9; charter granted 10,77, 
78 ; Institute, 83; trustees of the, 
83, 84; Bible to be used in, 84; 
principals of, 85; library, 85; 
parish, rector of, 109; Third church, 
112; first white person born 
ill, 122; district, probate court 
for, 127; light battery, salute by, 
141 ; judges and clerks of, 144; 
list of magistrates and justices, from 
1644 or 1645, 145-148 ; plantation 
called, 152; deputies from, 153; 
deputies to general court from, 183; 
admission of, into the jurisdiction of 
Connecticut, 186; freemen of, list 
of, 186; county, efforts made to 
create, 187 ; roll of honor, 191, 192, 
agricultural society, 194; 193; offi- 
cers, 194. 

Guilford, Vt., 32. 

Gurnsey, Mr., 118. 

Gutrich, Richard, 187. 

Gutridge, Richard, 12. 

Gutteridge, Richard, 13. 

Guttridge, Richard, 24. 

Hackinsack, N. J., 42. 

Haddam, 40, 49, 97, 142. 

Hadley, Mass., 116. 

Hale, Henry, 1 10. 

Hale, Mrs. Henry, 195. 

Hale, John, iii, 147, 179. 

Hale, William, iii, 147, 178, 179. 

Hall, Eber, 50. 

Hall, Rev. E. Edwin, 83, 84, 99, 180. 

Hall, Henry Harrison, 192. 

Hall, Henry L., 104. 

Hall, Hiland, 50. 

Hall, James D., 116. 



INDEX. 



207 



Hall, Jno., 22, 107. 

Hall, Thomas, 105. 

Hall, William, 13, 24, 26, 30. 

Halle, William, 12. 

Halleck, 6. 

Halleck, Fitz Greene, 132, 133, 134, 

135- 

Halleck, Israel, 132. ^ 

Halleck'i Connecticut, 55. 

Halleck's Life, 85. 

Hammonassett, 18, 19, 76; river, 7, 8, 
lb, II, 62, 63, 66, 77 ; source dis- 
covered, 21 ; Indians at Killing- 
worth, II ; land, right in sold out, 
64. 

Hand, Benjamin, 164, 165, 166, 167. 

Hand, Joseph, 27. 

Harbor street, 20, 166. 

Harman, Nathan, 26. 

Harper's Ferry, Va., 191, 193. 

Harrison, Elizabeth (Bunnel), 114. 

Harrison, Rev. Fosdic, 114, 118. 

Harrison, H. Lynde, 148, 180. 

Harrison, Judge H. Lynde, 142. 

Harrison, Mary, 114. 

Hart, Augustine, 85. 

Hart, Ebenezer, 49, 50. 

Hart, George, 146. 

Hart, Richard E., 148. 

Hart, Thomas, 50, 106. 

Hartford, 14. 20, 23, 28, 38, 109, 122, 
145, 156, 157; court of election 
held at, 186; general court held at, 
1S7. 

Harvard college, 94. 

Harwinton, Conn., 113, 114. 

Hatcher's run, Va., 192. 

Hawkhurst, England, 26. 

Hawks, Rev. William N., 109. 

Hayes, Gen. Rutherford B., president of 
the U. S., 134. 

Hebert, Ebenezer, 137. 



Hebron, 42. 

Hendrick, W. F., 35. 

Higginson, Francis, 14, 92 ; first pastor 

at Salem, Mass., 14. 
Higginson, John, 12, 14, 25, 65, 89, 

92. 
Higginson, Rev. John, 17. 
Higginson, Mr., 18, 80, 81, 89, 92, 93. 
Higginson, Rev. Mr., 14. 
Higginson, Hon. Stephen, 93. 
Higginson, Thomas, 81. 
High street, 116. 

Highland, George, 14, 15, 24, 27. 
Hiland, George, 186. 
Hill, Franklin M., no. 
Hill, George, 136^ sonnet by, 132. 
Hill, George 2d, 150. 
Hill, Henry, 127, 144, 145. 
Hill, John, 24, 187; a carpenter, 20. 
Hill, Michael, 37. 
Hill, Nathaniel, a27, 144, 145, 169, 

170, 171, 182. 
Hill, Samuel, 144, 165, 166, 167, 168, 

182. 
Hill, Col. Samuel, 127, 144, 145. 
Hilton Head, 191. 
Hinman, Hon. Edward, 137. 
History of Connecticut, 90. 
History of Guilford, 96; manuscript of, 

presented to the U. W. F. I., 196. 
History of Harwinton, Conn., 114. 
History of New England, Palfrey's, 16. 
History of the Judges, 120. 
Hitchcock, Judge, 137. 
Hoadley, Jolin, 89. 
Hoadley, John, 12. 
Hoadley, Mr., 118. 
Hobson, John, 187. 
Hobson, Samuel, 30. 
Hodely, John, 13, 32, 153. 
Hodgkin, John, 23, 27, 29. 
Hodgskins, Thts., 166. 



2o8 



Hogeboom, Judge Henry, 137. 
Holmes, Oliver Wendell, poem by, 133. 
Hooker, James, 27, 105,127, 144, 145, 

162, 163, 164, 165. 
Hooker, Judge, 127. 
Hooker, Mr., 90, 92. 
Hopson, Samuel, 149. 

Hosford ,42. 

Hotchkin, 29. 

Hotchkin, Beriah, 104. 

Hotchkin, Rev. Beriah, 102. 

Hotchkin, Joseph, 50. 

Hotchkin, Mr., 103. 

Hotchkin, Thomas, 50. 

Hotchkins, Thos., 166. 

Hotchkiss, 29. 

Hotchkiss, fiber S., 147. 

Hotchkiss, T. D., 147. 

Hotchkiss, Thos., 166. 

Howard, Rev. Willi.im, 119. 

Hewlett's, 18. 

Hoyt, James P., 85. 

Hoyt, Jonathan, 27, 29. 

Hubball, Richard, 23, 24, 27; admitted 

a planter, 23. 
Hubbard, Bela, D.D., 104. 
Hubbard, Rev. Bela, D. D., 108. 
Hubbard, Daniel, 33. 
Hubbard, Sergt, Daniel, 78, 79. 
Hubbard, George, 12, 14, 23, 54, 145, 

153. 155. 156, 157- 
Hubbard, Grove, 149. 
Hubbard, John, 30. 
Hubbard, Mr., 36. 
Hubbard, Sam. F., 149. 
Hubbard, Wm. H., 110. 
Hubbard, Wm. Henry, 192. 
Huburj, Daniell, 186. 
Huburd, George, 186. 
Hudson, 103. 
Hues, Richard, 14, 15. 
Hughes, John, 12. 



Hughes, Richard, 25, 27. 
Hull, Alfred, G., 35, 116, 147. 
Hull, Mrs. A. G., 195, 196. 
Hull, H. Ellsworth, 192. 
Hull, Richard Lawrence, 192. 
Hull, Sam'l H., 192. 
Hull, Zadoc, no. 
Hungry hill, 38. 
Hunt, Robert, 147. 
Hunting, advantages for, 9. 
Hutchinson, Elisha, 42, 146. 
Hyde Park, Mass., 113. 

Idol, Stone supposed to have been an, 11. 

Illinois, University of, 99. 

Indian, 695 inhabitants, 9; war, land 
granted to soldiers in, 48. 

Indians, 42, 47 ; town inhabited by, 8 ; 
nothing certain known concerning, 
1 1 ; fortification for protection 
against, 16 ; of America, ic ; names 
of^ 70 J progress of the gospel among, 
91 ; apostle to the, 94, 132. 

Jackson, Abraham, 192. 
Jamaica, L. I., 81. 
Jamaica, N. Y., 99. 
James the 2d, 75, 80. 
Joans, Thomas, 12. 
Johnson, Dr., 130; ancestor of, 10. 
Johnson, Harmon Barber, 192. 
Johnson, John, 14, 15, 16, 24, 26, 1S7. 
Johnson, John G., 149. 
Johnson, Mr., 129. 
Johnson, Nathaniel, 108. 
Johnson, Samuel, 33, 81, 105, 129, 

130; cloth dressing carried on by 

family of, 33. 
Johnson, S. C, 146. 
Johnson, Samuel C, 178. 
Johnson, Samuel, D.D., 104, 108, 129, 

130. 



209 



ohnson, Walter, Esq., 92. 

ohnson, William, 20, 24, 27, 105, 129, 

157, 158, 159, 161, 182, 186, 

188. 
ohnson, Deacon William, 77, 78, 79, 

159, 160, 161. 
ohnson. Dr. William, 81. 
ohnson, Sergt. Wm., 158. 
ones, Samuel, 25. 
ones, Thomas, 13, 25, 181. 
ones, William, 76, 154. 
ones's bridge, factory near, I 34. 
ordan, Anne, 20. 

ordan, John, 10, 15, 20, 54, 66, 68. 
ordan, Thomas, 13, 25, 32, 69, 123, 

IS3, 154, 155, 180. 
osephus, 85. 
ournal L. H., 187. 
udgment and Mercy, etc., a funeral 

sermon, 95. 
urdon, John, 12. 
uitices in North Guilford parish, 149, 

150. 

Kellogg. Rev. Nathan, iii. 

Kelsey, A., iii. 

Kelsey, Alvah, 147. 

Kelsey, Richard F., 194. 

Kelsey, William, 146. 

Kelsey, William S., 20. 

Kent, 79 ; adventurers from, 1 1 j county 
of, 22. 

Kent, England, 26. 

Kennilworth, 77. 

Keyhow, alias James the Brother, 76. 

Killingworth, 7, 8, 19, 23, 26, 28, 29, 
30, 32, 85, 142, 143, 144, 187,- 
Hammonassett Indians at, 1 1 ; Town 
Records, 19; harbor, 85 line, 21. 

Kimball Union Academy, 113. 

Kimberly, Abraham, 29. 

Kimberly, Erastus C, no. 

27 



Kimberly, George C, no. 

Kimberly, Mrs. Geo. C, 196. 

King Philip, war against, 48. 

King's (Columbia) college, president of, 

129. 
Kingsnorth, Daniel, 22, 22. 
Kingsnorth, Henry, 12, 13,22, 24; his 

will, 22. 
Kingsnorth, James, 22. 
Kingsnorth, John, 22. 
Kingsnorth, Mary, 22. 
Kinston, N. C, 191. 
Kirtland, George, 42. 
Kitchel, Rev. Cornelius L., 85, 99. 
Kitchell, Joanna or Hannah, 81. 
Kitchell, Robert, 9, 10, 12, 18, 23, 27, 

36, 5i> 54, 59, 65, 66, 81, 151, 

153, 155. 156, 181. 
Kitchell, Samuel, 27, 70, 71, 182. 
Koukeshihu, 70. 

Lahore, Anthony, 42. 

Lamberton, ship, 16. 

Lamberton, George, 183. 

Lambric, Joannes, 192. 

Lancasterian method adopted, 82. 

Landon, David, 188. 

Landon, E. R , 144, 146. 

Landon, Edward R., 6, 35, 138, 141, 

144, 146, 180, 182. 
Landon, George, 178. 
Landon, Mrs. Hart, 195. 
Landon, Hethcote G., 180. 
Last of the Mohicans, Tiie, 72. 
Lathrop, Jedcdiah, no, 190. 
Lathrop, John Hiram, LL.D., 137. 
Leake and Watt's Orphan Asylum, N. 

Y., 40. 
Lee, Charles Gilbert, 192. 
Lee, Edward, 27. 
Lee, Edward M., 148. 
Lee, Gen. E. M., 142, 180. 



I 



2IO 



Lee, Samuel jr., 172, 173, 174. 

Lee, William H., 194. 

Lee, Lieut. Wm. H., 141. 

Lett, Andrew, 187. 

Leet, Mr., 63. 

Leete, Abner, 50. 

Leete, Albert A., 106, 147. 

Leete, Ambrose, 105, 107. 

Leete, Andrew, 72, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 

79. i^3> 145.159- 

Leete, Anna, 122. 

Leete, Benjamin, 30. 

Leete, Caleb, 163, 164, 165, 166. 

Leete, Calvin M., 179. 

Leete, Charles F., 180. 

Leete, Daniel, 49, 107, 

Leete, Edward L., 84, 106, 147, 179, 
180. 

Leete, John, 122. 

Leete, Gov , 61, 64, 120, 122 ; his fam- 
ily, 20. 

Leete, Mrs. Harvey, 195. 

Leete, Mr, 18, 51, 152, 186. 

Leete, Mrs. N. 1"., 196. 

Leete, Peletiah, 50, 107, 165, 166, 167, 
190. 

Leete, Peletiah 2d, 10 1. 

Leete, Roger C, 194. 

Leete, Rowland, 50. 

Leete, Rufus N., 147. 

Leete, Samuel, 1 1 1. 

Leete, Sidney W., 194. 

Leete, Simeon, 47, 50. 

Leete, Solomon, 49 ,• his house burned, 

49- 
Leete, Theodore A., 104. 
Leete, William, 9, 10, 12, 13, 23, 52, 

54, 59, 62, 65, 66,70, 71, 76, 89, 

121, IJ7, 151, 152, 153, 154,155, 

159, 160, 181, 183. 
Leete, William jr., 104. 
Leete, Gov. William, 145, 182. 



Leete's island, 43, 46, 49, 50, 83, 192; 
cemetery at, 39 ; granite quarry at, 

41- 

Leicester, Eng., 92. 

Leverett, Mass., 99. 

Library formed, 85. 

Light, The, Appearing More and More, 

91. 
Lindsley, John, 14, 26. 
Lisbon, Conn., 1 13. 
Litchfield, 32, 108; county, 32. 
Littlefield, 105. 

London, 11, 17, 25, 81, 90, 91, 92. 
Long hill, 38, 43. 
Long Island, 49, 107 ; East Riding of, 

26 ; sound ; 7, 39. 
Loper, Henry, 110, 146. 
Loper, Samuel W., 142. 
Lord James the second, of England, 80. 
Louisburg, 48. 
Loyselle, Miss Ruth, no. 
Ludington, Timothy, 50, 1S8. 
Lyme, 69, 85. 
Lyon, Rev. Chas. W., in. 
Lyons, Rev. Mr., missionary, 108. 

Mack, Eli T., 85. 

Madison, 7, 8, 18, 21, 29, 30, 31, 37, 

58, 63, 106; church, 21; (East 

Guilford), 143, 144. 
Magistrates and justices, list of, 145-148. 
Magnalia, 90. 
Maine, 38. 
Marietta college, 99. 
Marvin, D.ivid, 42. 
Maryland, 142. 
Mason, Samuel, 192. 
Masonic Hall, 189. 
Masons, free and accepted, St. Albnn's 

lodge of, 188, 189. 
Massachusetts, 19, 92, 135. 
Mateowepcsack, 71. 



INDEX. 



21 I 



Mather, Cotton, 



19. 90. 93- 



Mather, Dr. Increase, 94. 

Mather, Mr., 94. 

Maycock, Thomas, 74. 

Meacock, Thomas, 20, 27, 72, 73, 77, 

161 ; admitted a planter, 21. 
Mecoke, Thomas, 186. 
Medicines, faith in quack, 41. 
Mediterranean, 136. 
Meigs, Lieut. Janna, 164, 165. 
Meigs, Capt. Jehiel, 50. 
Meigs, John, 19, 24, 25, 28, 50, 78, 79, 

105. y 

Meigs, Josiah, 170. 
Meigs, Lieut. Col., 49. 
Meigs, Capt. Phineas, 50. 
Meigs, Tryal, 28. 
Meishunok, 70. 
Memoir of Eli Thorp, 114. 
Menunk.tuck, 8, 66, 67 ; sachem squaw 

of, 9, 755 English planters of, lo, 

65 ; Indians at Branford and East 

Haven, 11; or West river, 45; 

lands called, 62; Indian inhabitants 

of, 65; named Guilford, 152. 
Mepham, John, 12, 15, 64, 87. 
Mequunhut, 70. 
Merwin, Clarina B., 115. 
Merwin, Rev. Samuel, 115. 
Merwin, Susan T., 115. 
Messanamuck, 66. 
Metuckquashish, 70. 
Methodist Episcopal church, 8j, 111; 

clergymen in charge, iii. 
Methodists in Guilford, 1838, ii6j in 

North Guilford, 1838, 120. 
Middlebury college, Vt., 112. 
Middlefield, 32. 
Middle Haddam, no. 
Middletown, 45, 47, in, 142, 143; 

parishes of, 32. 
Midlothian, 121. 



Milford, 12, 14, 20, 51, 52, 54, 136, 
152; deputies to general court from, 
183. 

Mllledgcville, Ga., 129. 

Miller, Charles W , 148, 190. 

Mills, Thomas, 15. 

Mipham, John, 153, 155. 

Mohegan Indians, 68 ; sachem, 72. 

Mohegans, sachem of, lo, 74 ; Uncas, 
sachem of, 46. 

Monroe, Beverly, 35. 

Monroe, Jasper, 147, 179. 

Moore, Jairus P., 85. 

Moosamattuck, 66. 

Moose hill, 43, 83 ; cemetery at, 39. 

Morse, Asahel B., 190. 

Morse, Seth, 50, 107. 

Morse, John, 50. 

Moriton, N. H., 113. 

Morton's Ford, Va., 192. 

Mt. Pleasant, N. Y., 106. 

Munson, Judge, 138. 

Munger, John, 50. 

Munger, Nicholas, 25, 27. 

Munger, Wait, 50. 

Murdock, Dr. James, 97. 

Murray, Bridgeman, 50. 

Murray, Jonathan, 50. 

Murray, Rev. W. H. H., 51. 

Murphy, Patrick, 192. 

Music hall, 34 J fire at, 190. 

Muttomonossuck, 66. 

My Peace I give unto you, etc., 93. 

Naish, Tiiomas, 12. 
Nathan's pond, 21. 
National Freedman's Relief Commission, 

"3- 

Naushuter, 76. 
Nausump, 75. 

Nausup, an Indian, 72 ; alias Quataba- 
cot, deed of sale from, 73, 74, 75,76 



212 



INDEX. 



Nebeserte, 68. 

Neck, the, ii; Indians found on the, 
1 1 ; land in the. 64; called the, 69 ; 
river, 8 5 plains, 21. 

Nettleton, Dennis F., 192. 

Newark, N. J., 23, 81, 115. 

Newbern, N. C, 192, 193. 

New Concord, N. Y., 117. 

New England, 11,22, 38, 55,90; colo- 
nists, 58 ; tribes, first convert 
among, 69. 

N. E. Hist, and Gen. Reg., 141. 

New Hampton, N. H., 117. 

New Haven, 9, 11, 19, 21, 22, 35, 37, 
38, 39, 4i, 43. 45. 62, 72, 8i- 87, 
89, 91, 93, 94, 99, 100, 108, 109, 
112, 122, 152; and New London 
Railway Co., chartered, 39 ; New 
London and Stonington Railroad, 
39 ; ancient colony of, 51 ; colony, 
55, 120, 121 ; government of, 52; 
East Consociation, 112; county, 
122, 123, 124, 127; justices of 
county court of, 127; and New 
London Railroad, 138; Town and 
Colony Records, i 52 ; general court 
held at, 183; deputy to general 
court from, 183 ; articles of confed- 
eration for the jurisdiction, of, 183, 
186. 

New Haveners, 51. 

New London, 35,38, 39, 49; and Ston- 
nington rail road, 138. 

Newman, Mr., his barn in New Haven, 
51; agreement made in confirmed, 62. 

Newman, Robt., 65. 

New Orleans, 191. 

New York, 38, 39, 42, 113, 115, 132; 
city, 34, 40 ; New Haven and Hart- 
ford rail road Co., 39 ; northern 
parts of, destitute of religious in- 
struction, 103; conference, 11 1; 



New York, statue of Halleck presented 

to, 134. 
Newtown, Conn., 102. 
Niantic, Indians, sachem of, 69 ; river,96. 
Noble, 120. 

Northampton, Mass, 94. 
Northamptonshire, Eng., 20. 
North Becket, 18. 
North Branford, Conn., 114, 1 15; First 

Society of, 143. 
North Bristol, 8. 

Northfield, Litchfield co.. Conn., 119. 
Northford, 120, 142. 
North Guilford, 8, 16, 29, 30, 31, 32, 

36, 37. 43. 44. 45. 48, 108, 116, 

117, 128, 191; cemetery at, 39; 

library formed in, 86; church, list 

of deacons, 119; parisli, justices in, 

149, 150. 
North Killingworth, 108. 
North Madison, 8, 31, 37, 45. 
North Society, 37. 
Norton, 32. 
Norton, Alfred, 149. 
Norton, C. Henry, 190. 
Norton, Francis Morgan, 192. 
Norton, Miss Grace, 19. /^ 
Norton, Henry E., 116, 138, 180. 
Norton, Horace, 146, 147. 
Norton, Mrs. Hy. E., 196. 
Norton, James A., 147, 179. 
Norton, J. W., 194. 
Norton, John, 187, 192. 
Norton, Jonathan G., 192. 
Norton, John William, 106, 180. 
Norton, Rufus, 174. 
Norton, Thomas, 12, 15, 26. — 
Nothingarians in Guilford, 1838, 116. 
Norwalk, 14, 25. 
Norwich, 24, 38, 84. 
Nut plains, 18, 191; cemetery, 39; 

Upper, 83 ; Lower, 83. 



213 



Oberlin college, ii8. 

Ockley, 90. 

Old Society, 37. 

Oliver, Andrew, Esq., 92. 

Oneida (collegial) institute, 113. 

Oneida county, N. Y., 103 ; missionary 

to, 97. 
Onion river, Vt , 130. 
Orange, south parish of, 129. 
Orthodox or Trinitarian, 83. 
Osborn, Walter, 146. 
Our Saviour's Dying Legacy of Peace to 

his Disciples, etc., 93. 
Oyster river, corn mill on, 26. 
Oysters, 46 ; fisheries of 8. 

Palfrey's History of New England, 16. 
Pardy, Joseph, 75. 
Paris, N. Y., 33, 105. 
Park, Edward, 29. 
Parkhurst, Mrs. B. B., 195. 
Parks, Nathaniel, 30. 
Parmalee, Eli, 85. 
Parmarly, John, 186. 
Parmelee, Ebcnezer, 86, 182. 
Parmelee, Ebenezer jr., 144. 
Parmelee, Eli, 106, 180. 
Parmelee, George, 59. 
Parmelee, Mrs. Helen, 196. 
Parmelee, Jeremiah, 190. 
Parmelee, Joel Cruttenden, 192. 
Parmelee, U. N., 148. 
Parmelee, Uriah Nelson, jr., 193. 
Parmelin, John, 12. 
Parmelin, Jno. jr., 13, 24. 
Parmelin, John sen., 13, 24. 
Parsons, General, 49. 
Pashquishook, 10. 
Pasquishunk, 69. 
Pauquun, 70. 
-Pease, Rev. Hart, iii. 
Peck, Rev. Jeremiah, 81. 



Pequot, 69. 

Pequots, conquest of the, 11 ; battle with, 

46. 
Pesuckapaug pond, 74, 77. 
Petersburg, Va., 191. 
Peterson, Alexander, 193. 
Phelps, F. C, III. 
Phelps, Franklin C, 147, 179. 
Philadelphia, 100, loi ; First Congrega- 
tional church, 112. 
Philip, King, 48. 
Physic and physical drugs, Mrs. Cosster's, 

41- 
Physicians, list of, 42. 
Piermont, N. H., 112, 117. 
Pierson, 181. 

Pillsbury, Rev. Benjamin, ill. 
Pistapaug pond, 7. 
Pitman, Jonathan, 81. 
Plaine, William, 15. 
Plane, William, 12. 
Planters, meeting of, 151. 
Plantation, town clerk of the, 20 ; 

treasurers for, 1 81. 
Plum-gut, 49, 
Plutarch, 85. 
Plymouth, Mass., 93 ; pastor of the 

church at, 19. 
Point House, 36. 
Ponaim, 70. 
Pope, 85. 
P^ pulation, entire, 31; in Madison and 

Guilford, 31; increase for ten years,3 I. 
Poquain, 68. 
Pork and pease, 17. 
Port Royal, S. C, 191. 
Portsmouth, Va., 192. 
Portsmouth Grove, R. J., 192. 
Potomac river, 192. 
Powers, Thomas, no, 190. 
Presbyterian cloak, loi ; churches, but 

few, lot. 



214 



Princeton college, 102. 
Prin.eton, N. J., 113. 
Productions, principal, 44. 
Protector, Richard, 121. 
Protestant Episcop.il churcii, 35. 
Prudden, Mr., 14, 21, 51. 
Puritan, i2i. 
Puritans, 57, 63. 
Pynchon, Joseph, 29, 145, 170. 
Pynchon, Thomas Ruggle?, 42. 

Quakers, 55. 

Quatabacot, alias Nausup, 73, 74, 75, 

76. 
(^uillipeak, 62. 
(^uillipiack, 67. 
Quillipiag, 69. 
Quinnipiack, 1 1. 
Quissuckquonoh, 70. 
Quonapaug pond, 44, 45. 

Ramshorn, Toby, 101. 

Ravvson, Rev. James, 1 1 1 . 

Records, 15, 21, 59; names of plantcis 

in original, 13, 14. 
Redlield, Ebenezer, 61. 
Redfield, J., 171. 
Rcdfield, Jarcd,42. 
Redfield, John, 42. 

Reformed Dutch clmrclies, but lew, 103. 
Relf, Thomas, divorced from liis wile, 

16. 
Review ofthe More Fixed Laws, etc., 151. 
Reynolds, Gideon Perry, 42. 
Richards, Rev. John, of Waterbuiy, 1 17. 
Richardson, Miles G., 193. 
Richmond, 32. 
Richmond, Mass., 107. 
Richmond, Va., 1 10. 
Ripley, Erastus L., 147. 
Riverdale, N. Y., Presbyterian church, 

115. 



Robinson, Henry, 104. 

Robinson, Rev. Henry, 142. 

Robinson, James, 169. 

Robinson, Jon'n, 30. 

Robinson, Samuel, 146, 167, 168, 169, 

170, 172,174, 175, 176, 177. 
Robinson, Col. SamueJ, 106, 145. 
Robinson, Thomas, 28. 
Rogers, Seth H., 42. 
Roman catholics, first met as a religious 

body, 116. 
Root, Rev. David, 112. 
Rose, Joel, 119. 
Rositar, Mr., 186. 
Rosse's meadow, 77. 
Rossiter, Col. Abel, 149, 177, 178. 
Rossiter, Benjamin, 119, 149. 
Rossiter, Bray, 41. 
Rossiter, Dr. Bray, 26. 
Rossiter, Bryan, 23, 41, 42. 
Rossiter, Dr. Bryan, 18, 61, 93, 123; 

joined the settlers in Guilford, iS ; 

sworn as a freeman, 18. 
Rossiter, David B., 180. 
Rossiter, Dr., 93. 
Rossiter, Joanna, 93. 
Rossiter, Johannah, 19. 
Rossiter, John, 24, 26. 
Rossiter, John R., 119, 149, 180. 
Rossiter, Josiah, 61, 72, 73, 74, 76, 77, 

78, 79, 123, 145, 160, 161, 162, 

i8i. 
Rossiter, Mr., 123, 182. 
Rossiter, N., 174, 175. 
Rossiter, Nathaniel, 127, 145. 
Rossiter, T., 179. 
Rossiter, Til ophilus, 30, 119. 
Rossiter, Deacon Theophilus, 149. 
Rossiter, Timothy, 149. 
Rossiter, Wilbur 1''., 194. 
Rowe, John, 188. 
Roxbury, Conn., 114. 



INDEX. 



215 



Roxbury, Mass., 94. 

Ruggles, Mr., characteristics of, 94. 

Ruggles, Nathaniel, 42, 169, 170, 171. 

Ruggles, Dr. Nathaniel, 105, 145. 

Ruggles, Thomas, 104. 

Ruggles, Thomas jr., 104. 

Ruggles, Rev. Thomas, 94. 

Ruggles, Rev. Thomas jr., 95. 

Russel, Col. Edward, 144. 

Russel, Rev. John, 116; protector of 

the regicides, 1 1 6. 
Russel, Mr., 117. 
Russel, Samuel, 116. 
Russel, Rev. Samuel, 116. 
Rutland, Vt., 118. 
RuttawQO, 9 ; (East river), 45, 65, 70, 73. 

Sabine, William, 50. 

Sachem's head, 43, 45, 46, 47, 49, 

83 j origin of the name, 46 ; house 

46 ; destroyed by fire, 46. 
Sachem squaw, purchase from the, 65. 
Sag Harbor, 49 ; return of prisoners 

at, 49 
St Alban's lodge free Lind accepted masons, 

188, 189 ; past masters of, 190. 
St. John's church, 110 
St. John the Baptist, feast of, to be kept, 

189. 
St. John the Evangelist, feast of to be 

kept, 189. 
Salem, Mass., 14, 17, 92, 93, iii; 

Atheneum at, 93. 
Salisbury, 32, 130. 
Sandemanian sentiments, 102. 
Savage, Abr'm, 189. 
Savage's Winthrop's New England, 69. 
Sawpitts farm, 92. 

Sawpitts, granite quarry opened at, 40. 
Sawpits-quarry wharf, 45. 
Saxton, Abel, 50. 
Saxton, Simeon, 50. 



Saybrook, 10, 16, 21, 32,48, 65,42, 
^9. 81, 85, 93, 142, 143, 181 ; 
fort, 14; chaplain at, 92. 

Schermerhorn, J. W., 34. 

School, districts, 83 ; furniture, manufac- 
ture of, 34. 

Scituate, Mass., 100. 

Scott, Sir Walter, 134, 

Scotland, one of the nine counsellors of, 
120. 

Scranton, Francis S., 193. 

Scranton, Col. Ichabod, 48. 

Scranton, Jared, 149. 

Scranton, John, 13, 24, 43, 156, i <;8, 
181, 186. 

Scranton, Joseph A., 150. 

Scranton, Samuel, 146. 

Scranton, Thomas Marvin, 193. 

Scriptures acknowledged as the rule of 
procedure, 51. 

Seabrooke, 64. 

Sebequenach, 71. 

Second Presbyserian church of Philadel- 
phia, 100 ; Washington, D. C, 1 14. 

Sergeant, John, 28. 

Seward, Amos, 3, 137, 146, 190. 

Seward, Edwin H., 104. 

Seward, Jason, 106. 

Seward, Lieut. John, 162, 163. 

Seward, Mr., died, 20. 

Seward, Rachel Stone, 137. 

Seward Timothy, 58. 

Seward, William, 19, 24, 27, 104, 105, 
181, 1875 anecdote related of, 20. 

Seward, Lieut. Wm., 41, 77, 78, 79, 
158, 160. 

Sewers, Edward, 14, 15, 26, 27. 

Seymour, 138. 

Shakespear, 85, 134. 

Shambisqua, 75. 

Shaumpishuh, sachem squaw, 9, 35, 47, 
65, 7--. 



2l6 



Sheader, John, 14, 24, 27,187. 

Sheafe, Jacob, 89, 155 j moved to Bos- 
ton, Mass., 14. 

Sheldon, Winthrop D., 85. 

Shells, masses of, 9. 

Shelly, Shubel, 28. 

Shepard, Mr., 69. 

Shipman, Elias, 42. 

Shirman, John, 183. 

Sibley's Harvard graduates, 81, 93. 

Shoreline Sentlnt.1, the, 35. 

Slocum, John P., 85. 

Small pox, 40. 

Smollett, 85. 

Smith, Grace, 136. 

Smith, Justin W., 42. 

Smith, John, 136. 

Smith, Judge, 138. 

Smith, Lovine (Hebert), 136. 

Smith, Mary D., 137. 

Smith, Mr., 118. 

Smith, R. D., 82. 

Smith, Ralph D., 5, 83, 84, 144, 146, 
179, 196; manuscript left by, 5. 

Smith, Ralph Dunning, 1 36-141; his 
children, 137; judge of probate 
court, 1 37 J manuscripts left, 
140. 

Smith, Richard, /36. 

Smith, Richard Edward, 137. 

Smith, Sarah Spencer, 137. 

Smith, Tabor, 20. 

Smith, Thomas, 23, 27. 

Smith, Walter Hebert, 137. 

Smith, Rev. William S., 85, 99. 

Soil, richness cf increased, 42. 

Society for the Propagation of the Gospel 
in Foreign Parts, 108, 129. 

Some Helpes to Stirre up to Christian 
Duties, etc., 90. 

Somers, 97. 

Somcrs, William, died, 15. 



Somerset, Henry, Duke of Beaufort, 188. 

Sound, the, 8, 9 j fine prospect of, 17. 

Southbury, Conn , 136, 137 ; first pastor 
of the church in, 100. 

Southold, Long Island, 29, 52. 

South Lane, 20, 21. 

Southmayd, Miss Dorcas, 98. 

Spencer, Daniel L., 194. 

Spencer, George B., 110, 180, 194, 

Spencer, Henry R., 147. 

Spencer, Miss Lizzie, 195. 

Spencer, Mrs. Richard. 196. 

Spencer, Samuel C, 146. 

Spencer & Sons, 34. 

Spencer, William, 146, 190. 

Springfield, 29, 102. 

Sproat, Dr., loi, 102. 

Sproat, Rev. James, D.D., 100. 

Stamford, 28, 52, 54, 114; annexed to 
New Haven, 1525 deputies to gene- 
ral court from, iS 3. 

Stannard, Henry B., 190. 

Stanton, Dr., 90. 

Stanton, John A., 147. 

Staplehurst, 22. 

Starr, Comfort, 28, 106. 

Starr, Deacon Comfort, 146. 

Starr, Edward C, 104. 

Starr, Jehosaphat, 28. 

Starr, John W., 104. 

Starr, Richard W., 194. 

Starr, William, 106, 145. 

State street, 28. 

Steiner, Dr. Lewis H., 137. 

Steiner, Hon. Lewis H., 142. 

Steuben county, N. Y., 105. 

Steuens, John, 186. 

Stevens, John, 14, 15, 24, 27."^ 

Stevens, Nathaniel, 50. 

Stevens, Samuel, 50. 

Stevens, Tliomas, 14, 15, 26, 27. 

Stevens, William, 15, 24, 27.--—-. 



v.. 

-V - 



INDEX. 



•217 



Stiles, President, 120, 121. 

Stiles's History of the Judges, 122, 123. 

Stillwater brook, 45. 

Stillwell, Elizabeth, 20. 

Stillwell, Jasper, 13, 17,20, 25. 

Stockbridge, 32. 

Ston, John, 187. 

Ston, William, 187. 

Stone, 32. 

Stone, Alvord A., 148. 

Stone, Mrs. A. A., 195. 

Stone, Benjamin, 188. 

Stone, Daniel, 50. 

Srone, John, 12, 13, 25, 78, 79, 187. 

Stone, Joseph", 164,' 165. 

Stone, Joshua, 30. 

Stone, Josiah, 30. 

Stone, Leverett C, 147. 

Stone, Medad, 124. 

Stone, N., 171, 172. 

Stone, Ens. Nathaniel, 162. 

Stone, Reuben, 146, 178, 179, 182. 

Stone, Samuel, 37. 

Stone, Sam E., 147. 

Stone, Rev. T. D. P., 84. 

Stone, Timothy, 104, 145, 166, 167, 

168, 169, 170. 
Stone, Col. Timothy, 105, 127, 144, 

145- 
Stone, William, 12, 14, 15, 24, 27, 

37- 

Stone house, the noted, 16; description 
of, 16, 17; first marriage celebrated 
in it, 175 stone for, brought on 
hand-barrows by Indians, 17. 

Stonington, 39. 

Stony creek, 7, 9, 26, 42, 65, 66, 73, 

74- 
Stratford, 129, 130. 
Strong, Benj., 1 66. 
Strong, Lyman, 42. 
Stout, Rev. E. F., iii. 



Stoughton, Capt. Israel, 69. 

Suffolk, 191. 

Suksqua, 70. 

Surrey, 90. 

Surry, adventurers from, 11. 

Swayne, Mr., 153. 

Syracuse, 98. 

Talcott, Alvan, 42, 83, 84. 

Talrott, Dr. Alvan, 6, 82, 142. 

Talcott, John, 48. 

Talman, Ebenezer, 30, 37. 

Tallman, Peter, 28, 164. 

Tapp, Edward, 183. 

Taunton, Mass., 102. 

Taylor, Bayard, 132. 

Taylor, Mr., 118. 

Tennent, Gilbert, loi. 

Terryers, book of the, 60. 

Terryville in Plymouth, Conn., 114. 

Texas, 16. 

Theological seminary, Princeton, N. J., 
113. 

Third church, deacons of, 116. 

Third Congregational church, 1 1 1 ; or- 
ganized, 112; Guilford, 113, 115. 

Thomaston, Conn., 99. 

Thompson, Frederick S., 85. 

Thompson, Major, 17. 

Thompson, Major Robert, 92. 

Thompson's heirs, attorney for, 92. 

Tibbals, Abraham, 193. 

Tinkard, Thos., 29. 

Toby, old, 101. 

Todd, Jonathan, 174, 176; A.M., pas- 
tor of the second church in Guilford, 

95- 
Todd, Dr. Jonathan, 131. 
Todd, Rev. Jno., 132. 
Todd, William, 131, 144, 145, 17T, 

178. 
Torrington, Conn., 113. 



2l8 



[NDEX. 



Totoket, or Branford mountain, 43 j one- 
eyed squaw of; 67 ; purchased from 
the Indians, 153. 

Town, list of, 1825, 375 mill, 35; 
meeting, special, 41 ; Records, 41 ; 
clerks, list of, 182. 

Travels, 57. 

Treat, Robert, 48, 80. 

Trinity college, Hartford, 109. 

Trowbridge, John, 122. 

Trowbridge, Thomas, 75. 

Trout, Toby, 193. 

Trubee, Giles, i88. 

Trumbull, Dr., 21, 51, 90, 103. 

Tucker, Charles, 193. 

Tuckshishoagg, 66, 67, 68, 69 ; or Tuxis 
pond, 10. 

Turner, Rev. Lawson, iii. 

Tuttle, Hezekiah, 193. 

Tattle, Joel, 144, 146, 178, 182. 

Tuxis pond, 62, 63 j or Tuckshishoag 

pond, 10. 
Tyler, Abraham, 48. 
Tyler, William, 147. 

Uncas, 10,62,66, 67, 70, 71, 74; sachem 
of the Mohegans, 46; grant of, 
62 ; the Mohegan, 63 ; deed of 
sale from, 71 ; his mark, 72. 

Union, Arkansas territory, 117. 

Union college, 118. 

Union library, 86. 

Union school district, 83. 

Union Theological Seminary, N. Y., 
114, 115. 

United States, oldest dwelling house stand- 
ing in, 16; second chief justice, 114; 
senate,! 28; consul t.) AsiaMinor, 136. 

United Workers for Public Improvement, 
38, 195, 196 J officers, 195, 196 
Manuscript of the History of Guil 
ford presented to, 196. 



University of Illinois, 99. 
University of New York 113. 
Usher, John, 93. 

Vaill, Mr., 119. 

Vaill, Rev William Fowler, 117. 

Vermont, 118; first governor of, i 30. 

Verona, N. Y., 33, 97. 

Village, the, size and form, 37. 

Wallingford, 7, 27, 99. 

Wantumbeourn, 70. 

Ward, Andrew, 28, 163, 186, 169, 171, 

172. 173. 174, 182. 
Ward, Andrew jr., 169. 
Ward, Capt. Andrew, 81, 145, 163, 

164. 
Ward, Col. Andrew, 48. 
Ward, Gen. Andrew, 127, 145. 
Ward, Billious, I 88, 190. 
Ward, Edmund, 100, 104, 108. 169. 
Ward, Gen. 48. 
Ward, J. Wilson, 85. 
Ward, Samuel, 50. 
Ward, Thelus, 50. 
Ward, Timothy, 188. 
Ward, Tryal, 28. 
Ward, William, 168. 
Washington, 32, 124, 128, 136, 191, 

1925 Second Presbyterian church, 

114. 
Washington, Conn., 108. 
Washington, Gen., 131. 
Waterbury, 81, 117; Conn., First Con- 
gregational church, 112. 
Waterhouse, Eber, 188. 
Water street, 18. 
Watertown, 98, 117. 
Weed, William E., J 94. 
Weekwosh, 10, 11, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69 ; 
the Indian, 70; the purchase from, 
69. 



INDEX. 



Weld, William E., 148. 

Welton, Harvey S., 183. 

Wequash, 69. 

Weslyan university, 11 1. 

Westfield, 32. 

West Hartford, 1 14 

West Haven, 29, 129. 

West India trade, 34, 47. 

Westminster, general convention lie 

Westmoreland, N. Y., 33. 
Weston (Eastonj academy, 137. 
West river, 33, 34, 36, 43, 45, 

123. 
West rock, 8. 

Wethersfield, 14, 28, 93,116, 153. 
Wethersfield, 111., 118. 
Wetmorc, Mr., 129. 
Whalley, Gen., 122. 
Whalley, Judge, 116. 
— Whedon, Luman, 82. 
Where is the Lord God of" Hlija 

funeral sermon, 97. 
Whitcomb, R. W., III. 
White, Horace, Esq., 112. 
Wliitehall, council held at, 120. 
Whitesboro, N. Y., 113. 
Whitfield, Henry, 9, 12, 62, 65, 66, 

69, 70, 89. 
Whitfield, Henry B. I)., 90. 
Whitfield, Rev. Henry, 40, 116. 
Whitfield, John, 25, 3^, 91. 
Whitfield, Mr., 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 
32, 35, 51, 62, 63, 64, 65, 80, 
91, 92, 120, 121 ; his company, 
Whitfield, Nathaniel, 18, 25,27,32, 
Whitfield's church, 121. 
Whitmore, John, i83r 
Whitmore, Rev. Zolva, 118. 
Whitney, Eli, 130. 
Whittier, John Greenleaf, poem by, i 
Wicks, Rev. Henry, 84, 99. 



Wilcox, Almon O., 148. 

Wilcox, John R., 144. 

Wilcox, Josiah, 27. 

Wilcox, Wi'liam T., 147. 

Wilcoxon, Obadiah, 27. 

Wildman, Albert B., 147, 179, 180. 

Willard, Julius, 42. 

Williams college, 99. 

Williams, Elisha, A.M., rector of Yale 

college, 95. 
Willis, N. P., 137. 
Williston, Vt , 130. 
Wilmington, N. C, 192. 
Wilson, Edwin H., 85. 
Wilson, Gen. James Grant, 133. 
Wilson, Rev. John, 142. 
Wilson, Rev. John S., iii. 
Wilson's Halleck, 86. 
Winchester, city of, 90. 
Winchester, Va., 192. 
Windsor, 19, 27, 29, 41. 
Winthrop, Gov., 69. 
Winthrop's New England, Savage's, 69. 
Wise, Henry, 29. 
Wolcottville, 113. 
Wood, Fanny (Ellsworth), 114. 
Wood, Rev. George IngersoU, 114. 
Wood, Hon. Joseph, 114, 
Wood, Mr., 115. 

Wood, kinds now to be found, 44. 
Woodruff, Richard H., 194. 
Wright, Benjamin, 14, 15. 
Wright, Benj. sen., 24, 27. 
Wright, Henry Wm., 193. 
Wymond, Rev. R. W., ill. 
Wyoming, Pa., 137. 

Yale college, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 
100, loi, 102, 108, 109, 114, 115- 
116, 117, 118, 119, 128, 132, 136 

173. 
Yale theological seminary, 115. 






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